Methods and apparatus to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data

ABSTRACT

Example headsets and methods for gathering electroencephalographic signals are disclosed herein. An example headset includes an adjustment assembly including a first support to be disposed on a first side of a head of a person and a second support to be disposed on a second side of the head of the person. The example headset also includes an adjustor operatively coupled to the first support. Further, the example headset includes an electrode strip and a tension strap having a first end operatively coupled to the adjustor and a second end operatively coupled to the second support.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent arises from a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/293,557, titled “METHODS AND APPARATUS TO GATHER AND ANALYZEELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC DATA,” filed Jun. 2, 2014, which claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/974,847, titled “METHODS ANDAPPARATUS TO GATHER AND ANALYZE ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC DATA,” and filedApr. 3, 2014. U.S. application Ser. No. 14/293,557 and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/974,847 are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to neurological and physiologicalmonitoring, and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus to gatherand analyze electroencephalographic data.

BACKGROUND

Electroencephalography (EEG) involves measuring and recording electricalactivity resulting from many neural processes associated with differentportions of the brain. EEG data is typically measured using a pluralityof electrodes placed on the scalp of a person to measure voltagefluctuations resulting from this electrical activity within the neuronsof the brain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a first side view of an example headset constructed inaccordance with the teachings of this disclosure for gathering EEGsignals and including an example electrode assembly and an exampleadjustment assembly.

FIG. 1B is a second side view of the example headset shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a right rear perspective view of the example headset shown inFIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a left rear perspective view of the example headset shown inFIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E is a front view of the example headset shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of an example electrode unit of the exampleelectrode assembly of FIG. 1A showing example electrode pins in anextended position.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of the example electrode unit of FIG. 2Awith the example electrode pins shown in a first retracted position.

FIG. 2C is an enlarged view of the example electrode unit of FIG. 2Awith the example electrode pins shown in a second retracted position.

FIG. 3A is a front left perspective view of another example headsetconstructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure andincluding an example electrode assembly for gathering EEG signals.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the example headset of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a left rear perspective view of the example headset of FIG.3A.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an example implementation of the exampleelectrode assembly of the example headset shown in FIGS. 3A-3C.

FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of an example flexible printed circuit boardshown in the assembly of an example electrode strip of the exampleelectrode assembly of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the example electrode strip of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of the example electrode strip of FIG. 5Band shown with example electrodes.

FIG. 5D is an enlarged view of the example electrode strip of FIG. 5Band shown with example wire guides.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of another example implementation of theexample electrode strip of the electrode assembly of FIGS. 3A-3C.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an example implementation of anelectrode capable of use in the example of FIGS. 2A-2C and/or theexample of FIGS. 5A-5D.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a first example implementation ofthe example electrode of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of a second example implementation ofthe example electrode of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an example processing unit for use withthe example headsets shown in FIGS. 1A and 3A.

FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of an example connection hub of the exampleprocessing unit of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the example implementation of theexample electrode assembly of FIG. 1A and having an example connectionport.

FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of the example connection port of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of an example communication link of theexample electrode assembly shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 A is an exploded view of an example implementation of theexample connection port of the example headset shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the example connection port shown inFIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the example processing unit of FIG. 8Acoupled to the example electrode assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the example processing unit ofFIG. 8A coupled to the example electrode assembly in FIG. 11A takenalong the line A-A of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C is another cross-sectional view of the example processing unitof FIG. 8A coupled to the example electrode assembly in FIG. 11A takenalong the line B-B of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an example circuit from the headset inFIG. 1A.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart representation of example instructions, at leastsome of which are machine readable, for using the example headset ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart representation of example machine readableinstructions for analyzing EEG data gathered with the example headsetsof FIGS. 1A and 3A.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example processor platform that may execute oneor more of the instructions of FIGS. 13 and/or 14 to implement one ormore of the example headset of FIGS. 1A-1E, the example headset of FIGS.3A-3C, or the example circuit of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain examples are shown in the above-identified figures and/ordescribed in detail below. As used herein, “operatively coupled” isdefined as connected directly or indirectly (e.g., through one or moreintervening structures and/or layers).

Electroencephalography (EEG) data is indicative of electrical activityof neurons (e.g., neural depolarization) in a brain. The neuralelectrical activity may be due to stimuli of one or more of the fivesenses (e.g., evoked activity) and/or from thought processes (e.g.,spontaneous activity). Summations of these electrical activities (e.g.,brainwaves) propagate to the surface (e.g., the scalp) and aredetectable with electroencephalograms. Current flow in the human body istypically due to ion flow. Thus, in examples described herein, abiopotential electrode is used to form an electrical double layer withthe human skin to sense ion distribution(s). The electrical double layeris the interface or interaction between the ion flow in the body thatcauses the electron flow in the electrode (and other electroniccircuitry).

EEG data can be classified in various frequency bands. Human brainwavefrequencies include delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma frequencyranges. Delta waves are classified as waves having frequencies of lessthan about 4 Hertz (Hz) and are prominent during sleep. Theta waves havefrequencies between about 3.5 Hz to about 7.5 Hz and are associated withmemories, attention, emotions, and sensations. Theta waves are typicallyprominent during states of internal focus. Alpha frequencies residebetween about 7.5 Hz and about 13 Hz. Alpha waves are prominent duringstates of relaxation. Beta waves have a frequency range between about 14Hz and about 30 Hz. Beta waves are prominent during states of motorcontrol, long range synchronization between areas, analytical problemsolving, judgment, and decision making. Gamma waves occur between about30 Hz and about 100 Hz and are involved in binding of differentpopulations of neurons together into a network for the purpose ofcarrying out a certain cognitive or motor function, and are also presentduring activity involving attention and/or memory. Skull and dermallayers tend to attenuate waves above about 75 Hz and, as a result, highgamma band or kappa band waves are less easily measured than waves inlower frequency bands.

EEG data may be used to determine an emotional or mental state of aperson including, for example, attention, emotional engagement, memoryor resonance, etc. As used herein, “attention” is a measure of sustainedfocus and/or shift(s) in focus over time. As used herein, “emotionalengagement” is a measure of intensity of emotional response andautomatic emotional classification of stimuli. As used herein, “memory”is a measure of a formation of connections and/or retention ofinformation, which can be explicit (e.g., readily recalled) or implicit.As used herein, “resonance” is a measure of a quality of evokedresponse.

EEG signals may be measured using one or more electrodes placed on ascalp of a person (e.g., a user, a viewer, a subject, a panelist, aparticipant or a patient) to measure voltage fluctuations resulting fromelectrical activity associated with post synaptic currents occurringwithin neurons of the person's brain.

To enable surface EEG electrodes to effectively receive signals from thebrain, the electrodes are placed close to the scalp. The electrodes maybe manually placed upon a subject's head or may be contained in awearable apparatus such as, for example, a headset. Many known EEGheadsets utilize a bulky helmet or complicated head-strap type assembly.To decrease impedance and improve signal quality, these headsets aretypically strapped tightly onto a user's head to decrease the distancebetween the electrodes and the tissue of the scalp. However, too muchpressure (e.g., greater than two Newtons per millimeter square (N/mm²))results in discomfort for most subjects. Further, these known headsetshave limited adjustability and are often uncomfortable to wear becausethey do not adequately account for differently size(s) and/or shape(s)of heads.

Example headset(s) for receiving neuro-response data from a person'sbrain are disclosed herein. Example headsets disclosed herein areportable and comprise an electrode assembly having a plurality ofadjustable strips. Such example headsets are adjustable to enhancecomfort and reduce noise, as disclosed in greater detail below. Somesuch example headsets provide a simple, cost effective and reliablesolution for the use of a large number of dry electrodes. Some suchexample headsets ensure comfort, good electrode contact, through thehair operation, and/or shielding against line noise and/or other type(s)of noise. Examples disclosed herein also include removable andadjustable components to enhance comfort, wearability and/or safety.

Example headsets disclosed herein include a first support to be disposedon a first side of a head of a person and a second support to bedisposed on a second side of the head of the person. In some suchexamples, the headset also includes a first adjustor coupled to thefirst support, a first electrode strip and a first tension strap (e.g.,an elastic member, a band, a string, a line, a strip, a spring, a belt,a tensioner, a cord, etc.) having a first end operatively coupled to thefirst adjustor and a second end operatively coupled to the secondsupport.

In some such examples, the headset includes a second adjustoroperatively coupled to the second support. In some such examples, thesecond end of the first tension strap is operatively coupled to thesecond support via the second adjustor.

Some example headsets include a second electrode strip and a secondtension strap having a first end operatively coupled to the firstsupport and a second end operatively coupled to the second support. Insome examples, the first electrode strip and/or the second electrodestrip are carried by the first and second supports. In some examples,the first end of the second tension strap is operatively coupled to thefirst adjustor on the first support. In some examples, the headset alsoincludes a second adjustor operatively coupled to the first support. Insome such examples, the first end of the second tension strap isoperatively coupled to the second adjustor. In some example headsets, asecond adjustor is operatively coupled to the second support. In somesuch examples, the second end of the second tension strap is operativelycoupled to the second support via the second adjustor. In some examples,the headset includes a second adjustor on the second support and a thirdadjustor on the first support. In some such examples, the second end ofthe first tension strap is operatively coupled to the second support viathe second adjustor and the first end of the second tension strap isoperatively coupled to the first support via the third adjustor. In somesuch examples, the headset includes a fourth adjustor operativelycoupled to the second support. In some such examples, the second end ofthe second tension strap is operatively coupled to the second supportvia the fourth adjustor. In some such examples, the first strip and thesecond strip are independently adjustable relative to the first supportand the second support. In some examples, the first tension strap isslidably received by the first electrode strip and the second electrodestrip.

In some examples, movement of the first adjustor changes a tension ofthe first tension strap. In some examples, movement of the firstadjustor changes an effective length of the first tension strap. In someexamples, the first adjustor comprises a wheel rotatably coupled to thefirst support. In some such examples, the first tension strap is woundabout the wheel when the wheel is rotated. In some examples, the firstadjustor comprises an electric motor to adjust the first tension strap.

In some examples, the first adjustor is detachable from the firstsupport. In some examples, the first tension strap comprises nylon.

In some examples, the adjustment assembly includes a third support to bedisposed under a right ear of the person and a fourth support to bedisposed under a left ear of the person. In some examples, the firstsupport is to be disposed above the right ear of the person and thesecond support is to be disposed above the left ear of the person. Insome examples, the third support and the fourth support are adjustablycoupled to the first support and the second support, respectively.

In some examples, the adjustment assembly includes a third support to bedisposed on a front of the head of the person. In some such examples,the third support is adjustably coupled to the first support and thesecond support.

Some example headsets include a central support strip that is to bedisposed along a top of the head of the person from a front of the head(e.g., a forehead) to a back of the head. In some examples, the firstelectrode strip is supported by the central support strip.

In some examples, the headset further includes a processing unitremovably coupled to the central support strip. In some examples, theprocessing unit includes circuitry and/or a semiconductor basedprocessor to at least one of amplify, filter, store or analyze signalsgathered by electrodes on the headset. In some examples, the processingunit includes a first electrical connector and the central support stripincludes a second electrical connector to mate with the first electricalconnector.

In some examples, the central support strip comprises an annular rim andthe processing unit comprises a hub to slidably receive the annular rim.In some examples, the headset includes a reference electrode and theprocessing unit comprises a port to communicatively couple the referenceelectrode to the processing unit.

In some examples, the first side is a rear of the head and the secondside is a front of the head.

Also disclosed herein are headsets that include a first strip to bedisposed over a head of a person and a first electrode unit operativelycoupled to the first strip. In some such example headsets, the firstelectrode unit comprises a first housing and a first electrode pin thatis retractable into the first housing.

In some examples, the first electrode unit includes a first spring tobias the first electrode pin outward from the first housing. In somesuch examples, the first spring is to provide about (e.g., +/−0.04Newtons) 0.2 Newtons of force to the first electrode pin.

In some examples, the first electrode pin is retractable into the firsthousing from an extended position to a fully retracted position, whereinan end of the first electrode pin is substantially flush with a surfaceof the first housing.

In some examples, the first electrode unit comprises a second electrodepin that is retractable into the first housing. In some such examples,the first electrode pin and the second electrode pin are independentlymovable relative to the first housing. In some examples, the headsetalso includes a second electrode unit operatively coupled to the firststrip, the second electrode unit having a second housing. In some suchexamples, the second electrode unit comprises a third pin and a fourthpin that are retractable into the second housing. In some examples, theheadset includes a second strip to be disposed over the head of theuser. In some such examples, the headset also includes a third electrodeunit and a fourth electrode unit operatively coupled to the secondstrip, the third electrode unit having a third housing and the fourthelectrode unit having a fourth housing. In some such examples, the thirdelectrode unit comprises a fifth electrode pin that is retractable intothe third housing and the fourth electrode unit comprises a sixthelectrode pin that is retractable into the fourth housing.

In some examples, an end of the first electrode pin, which is to contactthe head of a person, is substantially flat. In some examples, the firstelectrode pin has a diameter of about (e.g., +/−0.04 millimeters) 0.80millimeters. In some examples, at least a portion of the first electrodepin is coated with silver.

In some examples, a surface of the first housing from which the firstpin is extendable is curved. In some such examples, the surface of thefirst housing is concave.

In some examples, the first housing comprises a first channel to receivea first tension strap. In some such examples, the first housingcomprises a second channel to receive a second tension strap. In someexamples, the first tension strap and the second tension strap traversealong a longitudinal axis of the first strip. In some examples, thefirst channel and the second channel are substantially parallel (e.g.,within +/−0.5 degrees of parallel). In some examples, tightening thefirst tension strap pulls the first electrode unit closer to or againstthe head of the person. In some such examples, the first electrode pinretracts into the first housing as the first electrode unit is pulledtoward the head of the person. In some such examples, the firstelectrode pin is biased against the head of the user.

In some examples, the headset also includes a first tension strapslidably coupled to the first strip, a first support to be disposed on afirst side of the head of the person and a second support to be disposedon a second side of the head of the person. In some such examples, afirst end of the first tension strap is operatively coupled to the firstsupport and a second end of the first tension strap is operativelycoupled to the second support.

In some examples, the headset includes a first adjustor operativelycoupled to the first support, and the first end of the first tensionstrap is operatively coupled to the first adjustor. In some suchexamples, the headset includes a second adjustor coupled to the secondsupport, and the second end of the first tension strap is operativelycoupled to the second adjustor. In some examples, the headset includes asecond tension strap slidably coupled to the first strip. In some suchexamples, a first end of the second tension strap is operatively coupledto the first adjustor and a second end of the second tension strap isoperatively coupled to the second adjustor.

In some examples, the headset includes a third support coupled to thefirst support and the second support via a second tension strap. In somesuch examples, the headset also includes a first adjustor coupled to thethird support to change a tension of the second tension strap to movethe first support and the second support in a first direction. In somesuch examples, the first adjustor comprises a wheel rotatably coupled tothe third support. In some such examples, rotating the wheel changes thetension of the second tension strap. In some examples, the headsetincludes a second adjustor operatively coupled to the third support. Insuch an example, the third support is operatively coupled to the firstsupport and the second support via a third tension strap. Also, in suchan example, the second adjustor is to change a tension of the thirdtension strap to move the first support and the second support in asecond direction, different than the first direction.

Also disclosed herein are methods that include adjusting a firstadjustor to change a first tension in a first tension strap operativelycoupled between a first support and a second support. In some suchexamples, the first support is to be disposed on a first side of a headof a person and the second support is to be disposed on a second side ofthe head of the person. In some examples, the first tension changecauses the first tension strap to slide relative to a first electrodestrip comprising a first electrode pin to thereby cause the firstelectrode strip to move to adjust a first distance of the firstelectrode strip relative to the head. Some such example methods alsoinclude gathering a first set of signals from the head using the firstelectrode pin.

In some examples, the method includes adjusting a second adjustorcoupled to the second support to change the tension in the first tensionstrap.

In some example methods, adjusting the first adjustor changes a secondtension in a second tension strap coupled between the first support andthe second support. In some such examples, the second tension changecauses the second tension strap to slide relative to a second electrodestrip comprising a second electrode pin to thereby cause the secondelectrode strip to move to adjust a second distance of the secondelectrode strip relative to the head.

In some examples, the method includes changing an effective length ofthe first tension strap by adjusting the first adjustor. Also, in someexamples, adjusting the first adjustor comprises rotating a wheel. Insome examples, adjusting the first adjustor comprises actuating anelectric motor.

Some example methods disclosed herein also include detaching the firstadjustor from the first support to remove the first electrode strip.

Some example methods include adjusting a second adjustor to alter theposition of a third support to be disposed under a right ear of theperson and a fourth support to be disposed under a left ear of theperson relative to the first support, which is to be disposed above theright ear of the person, and the second support, which is to be disposedabove the left ear of the person.

Also disclosed herein are example methods wherein adjusting the firstadjustor causes the first electrode pin to retract or extend from afirst housing operatively coupled to the first electrode strip.

Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1A-1E show an example headset 100 forgathering EEG signals from the head of a person. FIGS. 1A and 1B areright and left side views, respectively, of the headset 100 on aperson's head. FIGS. 1C and 1D are perspective views of the right/rearside and the left/rear side, respectively, of the headset 100 on aperson's head. FIG. 1E is a front view of the headset 100 on a person'shead. The example headset 100 of FIGS. 1A-1E may be used, for instance,to gather medical information from a patient in a medical or a homeenvironment, to control aspects of a game or other entertainment device,to provide data as part of a fitness regime, to collect audiencemeasurement data, to control remote devices, for home automation, and/orfor multiple other uses. The example headset 100 of FIGS. 1A-1E isintended to be worn on the head of a person, a user, a subject, aviewer, a participant and/or a panelist. A panelist may be, for example,a user registered on a panel maintained by a ratings entity (e.g., anaudience measurement company) that owns and/or operates a ratings entitysubsystem.

The example headset of FIGS. 1A-1E includes an electrode assembly 102(e.g., a sensor module) and an adjustment assembly 104. The electrodeassembly 102 of the illustrated example is generally located at the topand sides of the headset 100 and is structured to collect EEG signals.The adjustment assembly 104 of the illustrated example is the portion ofthe headset used to adjust the fit of the headset 100 to the head of aperson. The electrode assembly 102 of the example headset 100 of FIGS.1A-1E includes a plurality of strips including a first strip 106, asecond strip 108, a third strip 110, a fourth strip 112 and a fifthstrip 114. Each of the strips 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 includes aplurality of electrodes for receiving signals from the head of the user.

The electrode assembly 102 of the illustrated example includes a centralsupport member 116. The strips 106-114 are operatively coupled to thecentral support member 116. In the illustrated example, the strips106-114 and the central support member 116 are formed as a unitary piece(e.g., molded as one component). In other examples, one or more of thestrips 106-114 and/or the central support member 116 are separatecomponents that are mechanically coupled together to form the electrodeassembly 102. In some examples, the distance between the respectivestrips 106-114 is fixed. However, in other examples, the electrodeassembly 102 is adjustable to change the distance between any two of thestrips 106-114 along the central support member 116. In some examples,the strips 106-114 are adjustably coupled to the central support member116.

In the illustrated example, the electrode assembly 102 is worn on thehead of a user such that the strips 106-114 are disposed over the headof the user and span between the left side of the head to the right sideof the head. In the illustrated example, the central support member 116is disposed over the head and extends between the back of the head tothe front (e.g., the forehead) of the head. The example electrodeassembly 102 of FIGS. 1A-1E is removably attached to the adjustmentassembly 104, via the strips 106-114 (discussed in further detailbelow). The strips 106-114 of the illustrated example are moveable andadjustable (e.g., tightenable) on the head of the user to comfortablyposition the strips 106-114 on the head of the user for effectivereading of neural electrical activity. In the illustrated example, theelectrode assembly 102 includes five strips 106-114. However, in otherexamples, the electrode assembly 102 includes fewer or more strips(e.g., four or less strips, six strips, seven strips, ten or morestrips, etc.) for disposing electrodes along the scalp of the user.Also, in other examples, one or more of the strips may be orientedperpendicularly, angularly and/or at different orientations than theother strips.

In the illustrated example, the first strip 106 includes a plurality ofelectrode units 117 that include one or more electrodes (discussed infurther detail below). In the illustrated example, the electrodes units117 of the first strip 106 are integrated into and/or operativelycoupled to the first strip 106. The first strip 106 may also includeinternal electrical components (e.g., a printed circuit board (“PCB”),communication links, etc.) to transfer the electrical signals gatheredby the electrode unit(s) 117 to a processor (discussed in further detailbelow). In the illustrated examples, the first strip 106 includes tenelectrode units 117. In other examples, the first strip 106 includesmore (e.g., twenty) or fewer electrode units.

In the illustrated example, the electrode units 117 of the first strip106 are aligned along the length (e.g., the longitudinal axis) of thefirst strip 106. In other examples, the first strip 106 includes pairsof electrodes along the length such as, for example, in a spine-likestructure. Disclosure of example spine structures can be found in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/728,900, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS TOGATHER AND ANALYZE ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC DATA,” filed on Dec. 27,2012; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/728,913 titled “SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS TO GATHER AND ANALYZE ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC DATA,” filed onDec. 27, 2012; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/730,212, titled“SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO GATHER AND ANALYZE ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHICDATA,” filed on Dec. 28, 2012, all of which claim priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/684,640, titled SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS TO GATHER AND ANALYZE ELECTROENCEPHALOGRPHIC DATA, filed on Aug.17, 2012, and all of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1A-1E, the first example strip 106includes a first tension strap 118 and a second tension strap 120. Thefirst tension strap 118 and the second tension strap 120 of the firststrip 106 are slidably coupled to the first strip 106 and are adjustable(e.g., tightenable and/or releasable) along the first strip 106 toprovide a downward force toward or against the scalp of the user. Thefirst and second tension straps 118, 120 of the first strip 106 extendthrough openings formed in the electrode units (described in furtherdetail below). Thus, increasing or decreasing the tension in the firstand second straps 118, 120 of the first strip 106 moves the first strip106 and the electrode units 117 closer to or further from the scalp ofthe user. The first and second tension straps 118, 120 of the firststrip 106 may comprise wires, cords, lines, ties, straps, tethers,springs, belts, adjustment elements, and/or other suitable connectingelements. In some examples, the first and second tension straps 118, 120of the first strip 106 comprise nylon. Additionally or alternatively, insome examples, the first and second tension straps 118, 120 of the firststrip 106 are stretchable and comprise an elastic element.

In the illustrated example shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the first and secondtension straps 118, 120 of the first strip 106 are adjustable to changeforces imparted by electrode pins (e.g., electrode pins 218, 220, 222shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and disclosed in detail below) of the electrodeunits 117 on the scalp of the user. For example, when first and secondtension straps 118, 120 of the first strip 106 are tightened, the firstand second tension straps 118, 120 provide a downward force to pull thefirst strip 106 and the respective electrode units 117 toward and/oragainst the scalp of the user. The first and second tension straps 118,120 may be tightened, for example, to increase signal quality for thesignals gathered by the electrode units 117. Additionally, when thefirst and second tension straps 118, 120 of the first strip 106 areloosened, the first and second tension straps 118, 120 decrease thedownward force and allow the electrode units 117 of the first strip 106to move away from the head, which could provide increased comfort to aperson wearing the headset 100.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1A-1E, the second strip 108, thethird strip 110, the fourth strip 112 and the fifth strip 114 alsoinclude a respective first tension strap, a respective second tensionstrap, and a plurality of electrode units 117, similar to the firststrip 106 described above. Specifically, the second strip 108 includes afirst tension strap 122 and a second tension strap 124, the third strip110 includes a first tension strap 126 and a second tension strap 128,the fourth strip 112 includes a first tension strap 130 and a secondtension strap 132 and the fifth strip 114 includes a first tension strap134 and a second tension strap 136. In the example, each of the strips108-114 slidably receives the respective first and second tension straps122-136, as described above with the first strip 106. Each of thetension straps 122-136 may likewise comprise wires, cords, lines, ties,straps, tethers, springs, belts, adjustment elements, nylon, elasticand/or other suitable connecting elements, similar to the first andsecond tensions straps 118, 120 of the first strip 106. In someexamples, each of the strips 106-114 includes only one tension strap.However, in other examples, each of the strips 106-114 includes three ormore tension straps. In some examples, the strips 106-114 include adifferent number of tension straps depending on the desired adjustmentcapabilities. For example, one of the strips may only include onetension strap while another strip on the same headset may include two ormore tension straps.

In some examples, each of the strips 106-114 includes ten to twentyelectrode units 117, such that the example headset 100 includes fifty toone hundred electrode units. In other examples, the headset 100 and/orone or more of the strips 106-114 include more or fewer electrode units.

Similar to the first strip 106 describe above, the respective first andsecond tension straps 122-136 of the second, third, fourth and fifthstrips 108-114 are adjustable (e.g., tightenable and/or releasable)along the respective strips 108-114 to change forces imparted by theelectrode pins (e.g., electrode pins 218, 220, 222 shown in FIGS. 2A-2Cand disclosed in detail below) of the electrode units 117 of the strips108-114 on the scalp of the user. Each of the strips 106-114 isindependently adjustable (e.g., via its respective tension straps118-136), relative to the other strips 106-114, to position each of thestrips 106-118 against the head of the user with a desired degree oftension.

The example strips 106-114 and the central support member 116 of theillustrated example are constructed of a flexible material such as, forexample, a plastic (e.g., a thermoplastic), a rubber, a polyurethane, asilicone and/or any other suitable material or combination of materials.The flexibility of the example strips 106-114 and the central supportmember 116 enables the electrode assembly 102 to sit comfortably on thehead of a person and to adjust to the shape of the head of the personwithout applying an uncomfortable and/or painful force to the head. Theflexibility of the example strips 106-114 and the central support member116 also enables the electrode assembly 102 to lie close to the scalp ofthe user to allow the electrodes of the electrode units 117 of thestrips 106-114 to engage the surface of the scalp, thus, resulting inbetter contact and signal collection.

The example strips 106-114 of FIGS. 1A-1E are removably attached to theadjustment assembly 104. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the adjustmentassembly 104 includes a first support or band 138 that is to be disposedon a first side (e.g., the right side) of the head of the user and asecond support or band 140 that is to be disposed on a second side(e.g., the left side) of the head of the user. In some examples, thefirst support 138 and the second support 140 are constructed of aflexible material such as, for example, a plastic (e.g., athermoplastic), a rubber, a polyurethane, a silicone and/or any othersuitable material or combination of materials.

The example headset 100 of FIGS. 1A-1E includes a first adjustor 142, asecond adjustor 144 and a third adjustor 146. The first adjustor 142,the second adjustor 144 and third adjustor 146 are removably coupled tothe first support 138. Likewise, in the example shown in FIG. 1B, afourth adjustor 148, a fifth adjustor 150 and a sixth adjustor 152 areremovably coupled to the second support 140. The adjustors 142-152 ofthe illustrated example are spaced along respective supports 138, 140and adjustably couple the strips 106-114 of the electrode assembly 102to the first and second supports 138, 140 via respective tension straps118-136.

In the illustrated example shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the first and secondtension straps 118, 120 of the first strip 106 are operatively coupledto the first adjustor 142 on the first support 138 on the right side ofthe head of the user and operatively coupled to the fourth adjustor 148on the second support 140 on the left side of the head of the user. Thefirst and fourth adjustors 142, 148 are operable to change tension inand/or alter effective lengths of the first and second tension straps118, 120 of the first strip 106. Thus, the first and fourth adjustors142, 148 change the location and/or pressure (e.g., change theapplication of force or compression) of the first strip 106 on the headof the user.

In the illustrated example shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the first and fourthadjustors 142, 148 include wheels (e.g., knobs or other rotatableelements) that are rotatably and removably attached to the first andsecond supports 138, 140. As the wheel of the first adjustor 142rotates, the first and second tension straps 118, 120 of the first strip106 are wound onto the wheel and, thus, the effective lengths of thefirst and second tension straps 118, 120 are altered. As a result, thefirst and second tension straps 118, 120 of the first strip 106 tightenor loosen, which changes the tension of the tension straps 118, 120 andthe forces pulling the first strip 106 and the electrode units 117against the head of the user. In some examples, the wheel of the firstadjustor 142 is held in position by friction, such that when a userrotates the wheel in one direction (e.g., to tighten the electrodeassembly 102), friction prevents the wheel from turning back in theother direction (e.g., due to the tension forces in the first and secondtension straps 118, 120 and biasing forces acting in the oppositedirection, which are disclosed in greater detail below). In otherexamples, the adjustor 142 includes a ratchet assembly to lock the wheelin a position. In still other examples, the adjustor 142 includes anelectric motor to adjust (e.g., automatically) the tension in the firstand second tension straps 118, 120.

Similar to the attachment of the first and second tension straps 118,120 of the first strip 106 to the first and fourth adjustors 142, 148,each of the strips 108-114 is likewise attached to respective ones ofthe adjustors 142-152, as shown in the illustrated example of FIGS.1A-1E. Specifically, the second strip 108 is attached to the first andfourth adjustors 142, 148, the third strip 110 is attached to the secondand fifth adjustors 142, 150, the fourth strip 112 is attached to thethird and sixth adjustors 146, 152, and the fifth strip 114 is attachedto the third and sixth adjustors 146, 152. The tension straps 118-136 ofthe strips 106-114 of the illustrated example are coupled to theadjustors 142-152 such that the adjustors 142-152 are able to changetension in and/or alter effective lengths of the tension straps 118-136.Specifically, the first and second tension straps 122, 124 of the secondstrip 108 are coupled to the first and fourth adjustors 142, 148, thefirst and second tension straps 126, 128 of the third strip 110 arecoupled to the second and fifth adjustors 142, 150, the first and secondtension straps 130, 138 of the fourth strip 112 are coupled to the thirdand sixth adjustors 146, 152, and the first and second tension straps134, 136 of the fifth strip 114 are coupled to the third and sixthadjustors 146, 152. Thus, the adjustors 142-152 change the locationand/or pressure (e.g., change the application of force or compression)of respective ones of the strips 106-114 on the head of the user. Insome examples, the adjustors are not removably coupled to a respectivesupport. In some examples, one or more of the strips 106-114 is carriedby the first and second supports 138, 140.

Specifically, as shown in the example of FIG. 1A, the first and secondtension straps 118, 120 of the first strip 106 and the first and secondtension straps 122, 124 of the second strip 108 are operatively coupledto the first adjustor 142 on the first support 138. Also, the first andsecond tension straps 126, 128 of the third strip 110 of the illustratedexample are operatively coupled to the second adjustor 144 on the firstsupport 138. Further, in the example of FIGS. 1A-1E, the first andsecond tension straps 130, 132 of the fourth strip 112 and the first andsecond tension straps 134, 136 of the fifth strip 114 are operativelycoupled to the third adjustor 146 on the first support 138. Thus, in theillustrated example, a single adjustor may simultaneously adjust aplurality of tension straps. In other examples, one adjustor controlsone tension strap. In still other examples, a first tension strap of astrip may be coupled to a first adjustor, and a second tension strap ofthe same strip may be coupled to a second adjustor. In such example, astrip may be finely adjusted by variably and independently changing apressure on different sides of the strip.

Similarly, as shown on the left side of the head in FIG. 1B, the firstand second tension straps 118, 120 of the first strip 106 and the firstand second tension straps 122, 124 of the second strip 108 areoperatively coupled to the fourth adjustor 148 on the second support140. The first and second tension straps 126, 128 of the third strip 110are operatively coupled to the fifth adjustor 150 on the second support140, and the first and second tension straps 130, 132 of the fourthstrip 112 and the first and second tension straps 134, 136 of the fifthstrip 114 are operatively coupled to the sixth adjustor 152 on thesecond support 140.

In the illustrated example, each of the first and second supports 138,140 includes three adjustors. However, in other examples, the headset100 may include more or fewer adjustors. In some examples, fiveadjustors are coupled to each of the first and second supports 138, 140,one for each of the respective strips 106-114 of the electrode assembly102. In other words, in some examples, each strip 106-114 is attached toa different adjustor on each end, as described above. In some examples,each of the strips 106-114 is independently adjustable relative to theother strips 106-114. In other examples, the first and second supports138, 140 each include only one adjustor such that all of the tensionstraps 118-136 are all attached to the single adjustor on each side ofthe head. In such an example, the strips 106-114 are simultaneouslyadjustable on each end.

In the illustrated example, the strips 106-114 are coupled to the firstand second supports 138, 140 via the adjustors 142-152. However, inother examples, the headset 100 lacks the fourth, fifth and sixthadjustors 148-152, and the second ends of the tension straps 118-136 arefixedly coupled to the second support 140. Alternatively, in otherexamples, the headset 100 lacks the first, second and third adjustors142-146, and the first ends of the tension straps 118-136 are fixedlycoupled to the first support 140. In other words, in some examples, anadjustor may be located on only one of the first or second supports 138,140 to adjust a respective strip. In yet other examples, some strips arecoupled to adjustors on one support and other strips are coupled toadjustors on another support.

Similar to the first adjustor 142 described above, the other adjustors144-152 of the illustrated example also include wheels (e.g., knobs orother rotatable elements) that are rotatably and removably attached tothe first and second supports 138, 140. In the illustrated example, theadjustors 142-152 are independently adjustable relative to the otheradjustors 142-152. The arrangement of the adjustors 142-152 of theillustrated example enables the strips 106-114 to be disposed over thehead of the person and attached to the first and second supports 138,140, respectively.

In some examples, the adjustors 142-152 are detachable from therespective first and second supports 138, 142. In some examples, theadjustors 142-152 are coupled to the respective tension straps 118-136first, and then the electrode assembly 102 is attached to the adjustmentassembly 104 by attaching the adjustors 142-152 to the first and secondsupports 138, 140. The adjustors 142-152 may be removably attached tothe respective first and second supports 138, 140 using any suitablereleasable fastening mechanism(s). In some examples, the adjustors142-152 include magnets to mate with other magnets or magneticcomponents associated with the first and second supports 138, 140, orvice versa. A description of an example magnetic attachment assembly canbe found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/829,849, titled “METHODSTO APPARATUS TO GATHER AND ANALYZE ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC DATA,” filedon Mar. 14, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

In the example headset 100 of FIGS. 1A-1E, the adjustment assembly 104also includes a rear support 154 and a front support 156. The frontsupport 156 is to be disposed on a forehead, and the rear support 154 isto be disposed on the back of the head. In some examples, the rearsupport 154 is disposed below the inion of the occipital bone as shownin FIGS. 1C and 1D. In some examples, the rear support 154 isconstructed of a flexible material such as, for example, a plastic(e.g., a thermoplastic), a rubber, a polyurethane, a silicone and/or anyother suitable material or combination of materials. In some examplesthe rear support 154 is a solid unitary piece. However, in otherexamples, the rear support 154 is constructed of multiple sections orportions that are fastened together (e.g., via a snap fastener, a tie, aloop and hook fastener such as a VELCRO® fastener, or any other suitablefastener).

In the illustrated example, the adjustment assembly 104 includes a firstadjustment line 158 and a second adjustment line 160. In some examples,the first and second adjustment lines 158, 160 are similar in structureand/or function to the tension straps 118-136. The adjustment lines 158,160 may be implemented by a wire, a cord, a tie, a strap, a tetherand/or any other suitable connecting elements. In some examples, theadjustment lines 158, 160 include nylon. Additionally or alternatively,in some examples, the adjustment lines 158, 160 are stretchable andinclude an elastic element.

In the example of FIGS. 1A-1E, the first adjustment line 158 is slidablyreceived by the rear support 154 and is coupled to the first support138, the second support 140 and the front support 156. In theillustrated example, the first adjustment line 158 passes through thelength of the first support 138 and the length of the second support 140to the front support 156. In some examples, the first adjustment line158 is a complete band or loop, while in other examples, the firstadjustment line 158 includes separate sections or components coupledtogether.

In the illustrated example, the rear support 154 includes a first rearadjustor 162 to change a tension of the first adjustment line 158. Thefirst adjustment line 158 of the illustrated example is slidablyreceived within a channel (e.g., a passage, a through hole, a conduit)in the rear support 154. In some examples, the first rear adjustor 162includes a wheel that is rotatable to change an effective length of thefirst adjustment line 158 and, thus tighten or loosen the tension of thefirst adjustment line 158. As the first adjustment line 158 istightened, the forces in the first adjustment line 158 pull the firstand second supports 138, 140 backward towards the rear support 154 onthe back of the head and/or pulls the rear support 154 forward. Thetension also pulls the front support 156 against the forehead of theuser, which more securely holds the headset 100 on the head. Thisadjustment arrangement allows the headset to be adjusted for users withdifferently sized heads to adjust the distance between the rear support154, the first and second support 138, 140 and the front support 156.Thus, one headset 100 can accommodate different head sizes.

In addition, different headset templates of different sizes may be usedto accommodate different head sizes of different ranges. For example,one headset template could be used for a first range of smaller headsizes and another template could be used for a second range of largerhead sizes. In some examples, the different templates could includedifferent size electrode assemblies and/or different sized adjustmentassemblies to accommodate different size heads. For example, a personwith a head measuring 62-64 centimeters (cm) in circumference may use anelectrode assembly with strips measuring a first length, and a personwith a head measuring 58-62 cm in circumference may use an electrodeassembly with strips measuring a second length, shorter than the firstlength. Therefore a plurality of different sized electrode assembliesand/or adjustment assemblies may be used with a headset to comfortablyaccommodate any sized/shape head.

As noted above, the adjustment assembly 104 of the illustrated examplealso includes the second adjustment line 160. The second adjustment line160 is slidably received by the rear support 154 and is coupled to thefirst support 138, the second support 140 and the front support 156. Thesecond adjustment line 160 of this example is slidably received within achannel (e.g., a passage, a through hole, a conduit) in the rear support154. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the rear support 154 of the illustratedexample includes two lower guide sections 166, 168, which extend belowthe ears of the user. The second adjustment line 160 passes through thelower guide sections 166, 168 (e.g., under the ears) and is directedupward toward front ends of the first and second supports 138, 140. Insome examples, the second adjustment line 160 is formed of a completeloop, while in other examples, the second adjustment line 160 includesseparate sections or components coupled together.

The rear support 154 also includes a second rear adjustor 164 to changea tension of the second adjustment line 160. In some examples, thesecond rear adjustor 164 includes a wheel that is rotatable to change aneffective length of the second adjustment line 160 and, thus, adjust thetension in the second adjustment line 160. As the second adjustment line160 is tightened, the forces in the second adjustment line 160 pull thefirst and second supports 138, 140 downward toward the ends of theguides 166, 168, which are positioned below the ears and/or pulls therear support 154 and/or the guides 166, 168 upward and/or forward. Thisadjustment further aides the accommodation of differently sized heads.

In some examples, the front support 156 is constructed of a flexiblematerial such as, for example, a plastic (e.g., a thermoplastic), arubber, a polyurethane, a silicone, and/or any other suitable materialor combination of materials. Also, in some examples, the front support156 incorporates one or more individual electrodes (e.g., referenceelectrodes) positioned to receive signals from the frontal area of thehead. In some examples, a clip structure may be used to attach theelectrodes to the front of the head. An example electrode clip isdisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/829,849, mentionedabove and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In the illustrated example, the headset 100 also includes a processingunit 170 that is removably coupled to the central support member 116 ofthe electrode assembly 102 (described in further detail below). In theillustrated example, the central support member 116 communicativelycouples the electrodes of the electrode units 117 of the strips 106-114to the processing unit 170. For example, the central support member 116communicatively couples the electrodes of the example strips 106-114 tothe processing unit 170 via communication links (e.g., wires, a ribbon,a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a printed circuit board (PCB))running through the central support member 116 and/or the strips106-114. In other examples, the strips 106-114 are wirelessly coupled tothe processing unit 170 and/or a remote processor. For example, one ormore of the strips 106-114 may include a transmitter to wirelesslytransmit signals (e.g., EEG signals) to the processing unit 170. In suchexamples, the central support member 116 supports the strips 106-114 andprovides rigidity and structure to the electrode assembly 102 but doesnot function to convey communication signals. In still other examples,the headset 100 does not include the processing unit 170, and thesignals are communicated to a handheld or other remote receiver.

In the illustrated example, the processing unit 170 has a housing thatincludes the electrical components for conditioning and/or processingsignals gathered from the electrodes (described in further detailbelow). In some examples, the electrical components include circuitry(e.g., filter, amplifier, digital-to-analog converter(s), processor(s))to, for example, convert the EEG data from analog data to digital data,amplify the EEG data, remove noise from the data, analyze the data, andtransmit the data to a processor, computer, and/or other remote receiveror processing unit. In some examples, the processing unit 170 includeshardware and software such as, for example, an amplifier, a signalconditioner, a data processor and/or a transmitter for transmittingsignals to a data center, processor, and/or a computer. In otherexamples, some of the processing occurs at the headset 100 and someprocessing occurs remotely after the headset 100 transmits data orsemi-processed results to a remote site such as, for example, via awireless connection. In some examples, the processing unit 170 isremovably attached to the headset 100. In some such examples, theprocessing unit 170 may be removed and replaced with a differentprocessing unit that may have, for example, different programmingfunctions and/or analysis tools. In some examples, a plurality ofprocessing units may contain different preprogrammed analysis tools andthe processing units may be interchanged depending on the desiredfunction (e.g., controlling entertainment such as a game or gatheringdata for a medical diagnosis) of the headset 100.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the processing unit 170 of the illustratedexample also includes electromechanical receivers 172, 174, which may beused, for example, to physically and electrically connect terminals ofadditional electrodes or sensors to the processing unit 170. In someexamples, the electromechanical receivers 172, 174 are used forattaching other electrodes or physiological/biological measurementdevices (e.g., an EKG sensor, an eye tracking sensor, etc.). Theadditional devices may include terminals having mating electromechanicalconnectors or terminals (e.g., apertures and pins, connection points)that may be attached to the processing unit 170 and/or to otherterminals attached to the processing unit 170. In some examples, anelectrode is used as a reference or ground electrode to provide areference signal for comparing with the EEG signals gathered from otherparts of the head by, for example, the headset 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1E.A reference or ground electrode is positioned at a point on the body(e.g., an ear or nose) that has little (e.g., minimal) or no EEGactivity or other artifacts and/or noise such as, for example, thoseindicative of muscle contractions or blood flow. In such an example, theground electrode may include a terminal that connects to one of thereceivers 172, 174 on the processing unit 170. An example terminal andreceiver structure is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/829,849, mentioned above and incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

In use of the example headset 100 of FIGS. 1A-1E, the electrode assembly102 is attached to the adjustment assembly 104 (e.g., via the tensionstraps 118-136 and adjustors 142-152) and the headset 100 is then placedon the head of a user. The processing unit 170 may be attached to thecentral support member 116 (described in further detail below) prior toor subsequent to placing the headset 100 on the head of a person. Inother examples, the adjustment assembly 104 is placed on the head of aperson (e.g., by stretching the first and second adjustment lines 158,160 over the head of the user) and coupling the example electrodeassembly 102 to the adjustment assembly 104 (e.g., by connecting thetension straps 118-136 to the respective adjustors 142-152).

The adjustors 142-152 of the illustrated example operate to change thetension (e.g., via the effective length) of the tension straps 118-136and, thus, create more or less force in the strips 106-114 against thehead of the user. For example, in the case of a smaller head, theexample first adjustor 142 on the first support 138 and/or the examplefourth adjustor 148 on the second support 140 may be used to create moretension in the first and second tension straps 118, 120 until the firststrip 106 applies a desired amount of pressure against the head of theperson. Additionally, the first and second rear adjustors 162, 164operate to adjust to the position of the first and second supports 138,140 to further adjust the headset 100 on the head of the user.

As mentioned above, in some examples, the adjustors 142-152 areremovably attached to the first and second supports 138, 140. Theremovability of the adjustors 142-152 provides a safety function byenabling the example electrode assembly 102 to easily be disconnectedfrom the adjustment assembly 104 if too much force is exerted on theelectrode assembly 102. For example, if one of the strips 106-114 of theelectrode assembly 102 is snagged or caught on a foreign object, one ormore of the example adjustor(s) 142-152 release, and the exampleelectrode assembly 102 disconnects or partially disconnects from theadjustment assembly 104.

FIGS. 2A-2C are enlarged views of a portion of the first strip 106having an electrode unit 117. The illustrated view shows the bottom ofthe first strip facing upward. In use, the bottom of the first strip 106would face the head of the user. Although only one electrode unit 117 ofone strip 106 is shown and described here, this electrode unit 117 issimilar to any or all of the other electrode units 117 coupled to thestrips 106-114. The electrode unit 117 of the example of FIG. 2A extendsfrom a bottom surface 200 of the first strip 106. In this example, theelectrode unit 117 includes a housing 202 (e.g., a body) comprised of anextension member 204 and a contact member 206. The electrode unit 117 ofthe illustrated example includes three electrodes 212, 214, 216extending from the contact member 206 to contact the scalp of the userto gather EEG signals from the brain. Other examples use fewer or moreelectrodes. The extension member 204 of the illustrated exampleseparates the contact member 206 from the bottom surface 200 of thefirst strip 106. In other examples, no extension member is utilized andthe contact member 206 is coupled directly to the first strip 106.

As shown in the illustrated example, the housing 202 of the electrodeunit 117 includes a first channel 208 (e.g., a wire guide, a slot, apassage, an opening, an aperture, a hole, etc.) and a second channel 210(on the opposite side of the electrode unit 117). The first channel 208is to slidably receive the first tension strap 118 of the first strip106, and the second channel 210 is to slidably receive the secondtension strap 120 of the first strip 106. The first and second channels208, 210 may be any shape and/or have any cross-section to enable thefirst and second tension straps 118, 120 to slide through the respectivechannels 208, 210. In the illustrated example, the first and secondchannels 208, 210 are substantially parallel. As the first and secondtension straps 118, 120 of the first strip 106 are pulled toward thescalp (e.g., when the tension is increased by the adjustors 142, 148),the first and second tension straps 118, 120 pull the contact member 206of the electrode unit 117 closer to the scalp of the user.

In the illustrated example, the electrode unit 117 includes threeelectrodes 212, 214, 216. However, in other examples, the electrode unit117 may include more or fewer electrodes (e.g., one, two, ten, etc.).Also, in some examples, each of the electrode units 117 of the strips106-114 may contain a different number of electrodes (e.g., a firstelectrode unit on the first strip 106 includes four electrodes and afirst electrode unit on the second strip 108 includes two electrodes).

In the example shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the first electrode 212 includes afirst electrode pin 218 and a first body 224, the second electrode 214includes a second electrode pin 220 and a second body 226, and the thirdelectrode 216 includes a third electrode pin 222 and a third body 228.The electrode pins 218, 220, 222 are independently retractable relativeto the respective body 224, 226, 228 (and, thus, independently movablerelative to the housing 202). As shown in FIG. 7A, the first body 224 ofthe first electrode 212 is larger than the first electrode pin 218. Thefirst electrode pin 218 is movable into and out of the end of the firstbody 224. In some examples, the electrodes 212, 214, 216 include springsdisposed within the respective bodies 224, 226, 228 to bias theelectrode pins 218, 220, 222 outward.

In the example shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the bodies 224, 226, 228 of therespective electrodes 212, 214, 216 are disposed within the housing 202of the electrode unit 117, and the electrode pins 218, 220, 222 extendfrom a bottom surface 230 of the contact member 206. The pins 218, 220,222 of the illustrated example retract into the housing 202 as the endsof the pins engage the head of the user and are forced into the housing202 as the contact member 206 moves toward the head of the user.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example in which the electrode pins 218, 220, 222are fully extended such as, for example, when the electrode pins 218,220, 222 are not engaged with the head of the user or are initiallyplaced on the user's head. FIG. 2B illustrates an example in which theelectrode pins 218, 220, 222 are partially retracted or pressed into therespective electrode bodies 224, 226, 228 in the housing 202. As theends of the pins contact the head of the user, the springs provide abiasing force to extend the pins 218, 220, 222 outward and against thescalp, which assists in creating surface contact with the scalp of theuser. FIG. 2C illustrates an example in which the electrodes pins 218,220, 222 are completely retracted such as, for example, when the bottomsurface 230 of the housing 202 is against the scalp of the user.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the bottom surface 230 of the contact member206 is contoured or curved (e.g., concave). The contoured profilecreates a more comfortable interface between the bottom surface 230 andthe scalp of the user by conforming, generally (e.g., not necessarilyexactly but close enough for comfort), to the curve of the head in thoseexamples in which the respective strip is adjusted or tightened enoughthat the contact member 206 contacts the head. Also, in some examples,the distance between the first and second channels 208, 210 and thebottom surface 230 of the housing 202 is about two to about threemillimeters to place the tension straps 118, 120 sufficiently away fromthe user's hair to reduce the potential for the tension straps 118, 120to catch in the hair and cause discomfort (e.g., during removal of theheadset).

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, a FPCB 232 is molded within the first strip106. The FPCB 232 may include communication links (e.g., wires, traces,etc.) to transfer the signals gathered from the electrodes of the firststrip 106. The electrodes 212, 214, 216 are communicatively coupled tothe FPCB 232 (e.g., via electrical contact between the electrodes 212,214, 216 and the FPCB 232 and/or one or more intermediate wires orconductive surfaces).

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate another example headset 300 for gathering EEGsignals from the head of a person. FIGS. 3A and 3C are perspective viewsof the front and rear of the headset 300, respectively. FIG. 3B is aleft side view of the example headset 300 on a head of a user orsubject. Similar to the example headset 100 disclosed above, the exampleheadset 300 of FIGS. 3A-3C includes an electrode assembly 302 (e.g., asensor module) having a first strip 304, a second strip 306, a thirdstrip 308, a fourth strip 310 and a fifth strip 312. Each of the strips302-312 includes a plurality of electrodes, and each of the strips302-312 is operatively coupled to a central support member 314 and aprocessing unit 315 is operatively coupled to the central support member314 to receive, store, process and/or transmit the gathered EEG signals.

In the illustrated example shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the electrode assembly302 is worn on the head of a user such that the strips 304-312 aredisposed over the head of the user from the left side of the head to theright side of the head and the central support member 314 is disposedover the head and extends from the back of the head to the front of thehead (e.g., to the forehead). The strips 304-312 and the central supportmember 314 of the illustrated example are flexible and may conform tothe shape of the head when flexed. The example strips 304-312 and thecentral support member 314 of the illustrated example are constructed ofa flexible material such as, for example, a plastic (e.g., athermoplastic), a rubber, a polyurethane, a silicone and/or any othersuitable material or combination of materials.

As shown in the illustrated example of FIGS. 3A-3C, the headset 300 alsoincludes a headband 316. In the illustrated example, the headband 316 isconstructed of, for example, nylon or any other elastic material. In theexample shown in FIG. 3A, the first strip 304 is operatively coupled tothe headband 316 and the headband 316 surrounds the head. As shown inthe example of FIGS. 3B and 3C, a base 318 is operatively coupled to therear of the headband 316 and is to be disposed below the inion oroccipital bone.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, each of the strips 304-312 of the illustratedexample has a plurality of electrode units (e.g., electrode clusters)disposed on a bottom side of the respective strips 304-312. FIG. 4illustrates a bottom view of the electrode assembly 302 of FIGS. 3A-3C.Specifically, in the illustrated example, the first strip 304 includesthree electrode units 320, the second strip 306 includes nine electrodeunits 321, the third 308 strip includes nine electrode units 321, thefourth strip 310 includes nine electrodes 321, and the fifth strip 312includes three electrodes 321. In total, the electrode assembly 302 ofthe illustrated example includes thirty-three electrode units. However,in other examples, the electrode assembly 302 may include more or fewerelectrode units. Each of the electrode units 320, 321 includes one ormore electrodes to engage the scalp of a user and receive EEG signalsfrom the brain. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the electrode units 320carried by the first strip 304 (discussed in FIG. 6) are different thanthe electrode units 321 carried by the second, third, fourth and fifthstrips 306-312.

Unlike the headset 100 of FIGS. 1A-1E, where the tension straps 118-136are disposed along the length or longitudinal axis of the respectivestrips 106-114, the example headset 300 of FIGS. 3A-3C utilizes tensionstraps 322-356 that are oriented substantially perpendicular to thestrips 304-312 and that traverse from the front side of the head (e.g.,at the first strip 304) to the back side of the head. Each of theelectrode units 321 includes holes or wire guides for receiving therespective tension straps 322-356. Specifically, in this example, eachof the electrode units 321 includes two holes or apertures to receivetwo of the tension straps 322-356. Similar to the headset 100 of FIGS.1A-1E, the tension straps 322-356 may be pulled tight to move theelectrode assembly 302 closer to the head of the person wearing theheadset 300. The tension straps 322-356 may comprise wires, cords,lines, ties, straps, tethers, springs, belts, adjustment elements,and/or other suitable connecting elements. In some examples, the tensionstraps 322-356 comprise nylon. Additionally or alternatively, in someexamples, the tension straps 322-356 are stretchable and comprise anelastic element.

In the example of FIGS. 3A-3C, each of the tension straps 322-356 iscoupled to the first strip 304 and/or the headband 316 (e.g., a firstsupport) on one end and operatively coupled to an adjustor 358 in therear of the headset 300 at the opposite end. The adjustor 358 isremovably coupled to the base 318 (e.g., a second support). The adjustor358 is used to shorten the effective lengths of the tension straps322-356. Specifically, as the tensions straps 322-356 are tightened, theelectrode assembly 302 is pulled down and closer to the head of theperson allowing the electrodes to move closer to the scalp.

As also shown in FIG. 4, the first strip 304 of the illustrated exampleincludes three electrode units 320. Further, in the example, the second,third and fourth strips 306, 308, 310 each include nine electrode units321. The fifth strip 312 includes three electrode units 321. The second,third and fourth strips 306, 308 310 of the illustrated example arecurved to conform to the shape of the head.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, the first and second tension straps 322,324 are operatively coupled (e.g., indirectly or directly coupled) tothe first strip 304 and/or the headband 316 at the front of the head.The first and second tension straps 322, 324 are slidably coupled to (1)a first one of the electrode units 321 on the second strip 306, (2) afirst one of the electrode units 321 on the third strip 308, and (3) afirst one of the electrode units 321 on the fourth strip 310. The firstand second tension straps 322, 324 of the illustrated example are alsooperatively coupled to the adjustor 358 disposed in the rear of theheadset 300. Thus, when tightened, the first and second tension straps322, 324 of the illustrated example pull the first ones of the electrodeunits 321 on the second, third, and fourth strips 306, 308, 310 downwardtoward the left side of the head.

Similarly, the third and fourth tension straps 326, 328 of theillustrated example are operatively coupled to the first strip 304and/or the headband 316, slidably coupled to a second one of theelectrode units 321 on the second, third and fourth strips 306, 308, 310and are operatively coupled to the adjustor 358 disposed in the rear ofthe headset 300. Thus, when tightened, the third and fourth tensionstraps 326, 328 pull the second ones of the electrode units 321 on thesecond, third, and fourth strips 306, 308, 310 downward toward the sideof the head.

In the illustrated example, the fifth and sixth tension straps 330, 332are operatively coupled to the first strip 304 and/or the headband 316,slidably coupled to a third one of the electrode units 321 on each ofthe second, third and fourth strips 306, 308, 310, slidably coupled to afirst one of the electrodes 321 on the fifth strip 312 and areoperatively coupled to the adjustor 358 disposed in the rear of theheadset 300. In the illustrated example, the seventh and eighth tensionstraps 334, 336 are operatively coupled to the first strip 304 and/orthe headband 316, slidably coupled to a fourth one of the electrodeunits 321 on each of the second, third and fourth strips 306, 308, 310,and are operatively coupled to the adjustor 358 disposed in the rear ofthe headset 300. In the illustrated example, the ninth and tenth tensionstraps 338, 340 are operatively coupled to the first strip 304 and/orthe headband 316, slidably coupled to a fifth one of the electrode units321 on each of the second, third and fourth strips 306, 308, 310,slidably coupled to a second one of the electrodes 321 on the fifthstrip 312 and are operatively coupled to the adjustor 358 disposed inthe rear of the headset 300. Also in the illustrated example, additionaltension straps 342-356 are operatively coupled to the first strip 304and/or the headband 316, additional ones of the plurality of electrodeunits 321 on the second, third, fourth and fifth strips 306, 308, 310,312 and the adjustor 358 disposed in the rear of the headset 300. Inother examples, the tension straps 322-356 may be arranged differentlyand may be operatively coupled and/or slidably coupled to different onesof the plurality of electrode units 320, 321 on different ones of thestrips 304-312. Also, in some examples a single tension strap may becoupled to the respective electrode units 320, 321 such as, for example,along the center of the electrode units 321 between the front of thehead and the adjustor 358.

In an example operation, the headband 316 is stretched over the head ofa person and the electrode assembly 302 is placed on top of the head.FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the example headset 300 in an adjustmentstate, where strips 302-312 are being placed over the head of theperson. The adjustor 358 is then connected to the base 318. In theillustrated example, the adjustor 358 comprises a wheel. As the wheel isrotated, the tensions straps 322-356 are wound around the wheel and,thus, the effective lengths of the tension straps 322-356 are shortenedand the tension in the tension straps 322-356 pulls the strips 304-312of the electrode assembly 302 against the head of the user. To loosenthe headset 300, the adjustor 358 is rotated in the opposite direction.FIG. 3C illustrates the example headset 300 as it is being adjusted tomove the strips 302-312 closer to the head of the person.

FIGS. 5A-5D are enlarged views of an example assembly of one of theelectrode units 321 (shown on the headset 300 of FIGS. 3A-4).Specifically, FIG. 5A shows an example electrode unit 321. The exampleelectrode unit of FIG. 5A may represent any of the electrode units 321of the headset 300. The example electrode unit 321 includes an electrodehousing 502 that is coupled to a FPCB 504. The FPCB 504 is disposedwithin the shell or body of the example strips 304-312. The housing 502of the illustrated example includes two electrode openings 506, 508, toreceive electrodes, and two peg openings 510, 512, which receive pegsfrom a bottom side of base (discussed in further detail below).

FIG. 5B shows the electrode unit 321 with a casing or body 514 thatcovers the FPCB 504. The body 514 may be, for example, one of the strips304-312. In some examples, the body 514 is molded over the FPCB 504.FIG. 5C shows a first electrode 516 and a second electrode 518 disposedin the respective first and second electrode openings 506, 508 of FIG.5A. The first and second electrodes 516, 518 are communicatively coupledto the FPCB 504. In some examples, the first and second electrodes 516,518 are secured in the respective first and second electrode openings506, 508 via friction fit. In other examples, other suitable fasteningtechniques may be employed. Also, in some examples, the electrodes 516,518 are removably coupled to the housing 502. In such examples, adamaged or otherwise inoperable electrode may be easily replaced. In theillustrated example, the electrode unit 321 includes two electrodes.However, in other examples, the electrode unit 321 includes more orfewer than two electrodes. In some examples, each of the electrode units321 include the same amount of electrodes. In other examples, the amountof electrodes per electrode unit is different.

FIG. 5D shows an example base 520 disposed on top of the housing 502 ofFIG. 5A. The base 520 of the illustrated example is a circular disk withtwo pegs protruding from the bottom of the base 520 that mate with thefirst and second peg openings 510, 512. The example base 520 alsoincludes two holes 522, 524 where the respective first and secondelectrodes 516, 518 are received. In the example of FIGS. 5D, the firstand second electrodes 516, 518 extend through the respective first andsecond holes 522, 524. As shown in FIG. 5D, the base 520 also includestwo apertures 526, 528 to receive tension straps (e.g., the tensionstraps 322-356). The apertures 526, 528 of the illustrated exampleextend from a first end of the base 520 to the opposite end of the base520. As the tension straps are tightened, the electrode unit 320 ispulled closer to the head of the user to enable the electrodes 516, 518to engage the scalp.

In the example headset 300 of FIGS. 3A-5D, the apertures 526, 528, whichare to receive the tension straps 322-356, are positioned substantiallyorthogonal to longitudinal axes of the strips 304-312. In the exampleheadset 100 of FIGS. 1A-2C, the apertures or channels 208, 210 arepositioned substantially parallel to or along the longitudinal axes ofthe strips 106-114.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an example assembly of one of theelectrode units 320 of the first strip 304 of the headset 300. Theexample electrode unit 320 of FIG. 6 may represent any of the electrodeunits 320 of the headset 300. The first strip 304 of this example is tobe disposed on the forehead of the user and uses flat electrodes toengage the forehead of the user, rather than a pointed or pin electrode,which are used to penetrate through hair. The forehead generally lackshair and, thus, flat electrodes may be used to receive signals from thefront part of the head more comfortably than pointed electrodes.

In some examples, the electrode units 320, which include relativelyflatter electrodes, are used as ground electrodes. In some knownsystems, a ground electrode is attached to a place on the user's bodyusing a gel, which reduces the amount of impedance. In these knownsystems, the forehead is typically avoided, because undesired signals(e.g., from eye movement) and other brain signals may be detected at theforehead and, therefore, would be difficult to implement as a groundsignal. However, the forehead contains relatively lower impedance thanother places on the body. Therefore, the example headset 300 disposesdry electrodes, which are easier and cleaner to use, on the forehead ofthe user as ground electrodes. To avoid problems of undesired signals inthe ground signals detected by the forehead electrodes, the differencebetween a reference signal and a data signal (e.g., gathered by anelectrode on the head of the user, by an electrode of one of theelectrode units 321) is subtracted from the difference between theground signal and the data signal. Thus, the ground signals, includingany detected undesired signals, are cancelled out, or eliminated, andthe remaining difference is the difference between the data signal andthe reference electrode (e.g., known as “referencing”). The referenceelectrode may be attached, for example, to an earlobe or a nose of theuser. An example clip that may be utilized to attach a referenceelectrode to a user's earlobe is disclosed in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/829,849 titled “METHODS AND APPARATUS TO GATHER AND ANALYZEELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC DATA,” filed Mar. 14, 2013, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Additionally oralternatively, the ground or reference electrode may be disposed on theneck of the person. An example patch electrode 360 is shown in FIG. 3Battached to the neck of the person. A wire or lead may be connected tothe electrode 360 and connected to the processing unit 315.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 6, the electrode unit 320 includes ahousing 602, which is similar to the housing 502 shown in FIGS. 5A-5Dabove. The housing 602 of the illustrated example includes a firstelectrode opening 604, a second electrode slot 606, a first peg hole 608and a second peg hole 610. In the example of FIG. 6, a base 612 iscouplable to the housing 602. The base 612 includes two pegs on thebottom to engage the peg holes 608, 610. A first electrode 614 and asecond electrode 616 are shown in the example of FIG. 6. The firstelectrode 614 includes a first contact 618 and a first electrode peg 620and the second electrode 616 includes a second contact 622 and a secondelectrode peg 624. The first contact 618 of the illustrated example sitswithin a first cavity 626 in the base 612, and the first electrode peg620 extends through a first electrode peg hole 628 in the base 612 toengage the first electrode opening 604. Likewise, the second contact 622sits within a second cavity 630 in the base 612, and the secondelectrode peg 624 extends through a second electrode peg hole 632 in thebase 612 to engage the second electrode opening 606. Signals received bythe first and second contacts 618, 622 are transmitted through therespective first and second electrode pegs 620, 624 to the FPCB 504(which is disposed within the body of the strip 304). In some examples,the electrode unit 320 may be used on any one of the second, third,fourth and fifth strips 306-312 and may include apertures to accommodatetension straps. In some examples, the electrode unit 321 of FIGS. 5A-5Cmay be used on the first strip 304.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate an example electrode 700 that may be used, forexample, with the example headset 100 (e.g., to implement the electrodes212, 214, 216 shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) and/or the example headset 300(e.g., to implement the electrodes 516, 518 shown in FIGS. 5C-5D)described above. As shown in the example in FIGS. 7A-C, the exampleelectrode 700 includes a pin 702 and a body 704 (e.g., a sheath, a tube,a cover, a housing, etc.). In the illustrated example, the pin 702 andthe body 704 are cylindrical and have circular cross-sections. However,in other examples, the electrode pin 702 and/or the body 704 may have arectangular, square or otherwise shaped cross-section. In theillustrated example, an end 706 of the pin 702 is flat, which provides alarger surface area to contact the scalp of the user. The larger surfacearea also increases the comfort level of the pin 702 on the head byspacing the applied force across a larger area. However, in otherexamples, the end 706 of the pin 702 may be rounded, hooked shaped, ringshaped, or otherwise shaped.

FIGS. 7B and 7C are cross-sectional views of the electrode 700. Asshown, the pin 702 has a diameter d₁. In some examples, d₁ is about(e.g., within +/−0.04 millimeters) 0.80 millimeters. In other examples,the pin 702 may have a smaller or larger diameter. The electrode pinsare sized to protrude through the hair of a user, but also providesufficient surface area to contact the scalp of the user and receivesignals from the brain. In some examples, the electrode 700 is made of ametallic material and/or coated (e.g., anodized or plated) with ametallic material (e.g., silver, gold, etc.). In some examples, if thecoating is too thin, the electrode will not be able to effectivelydetect the ion flow. Therefore, in some examples, the pin 702 is coatedwith a metallic material greater than about (e.g., within +/−0.1microns) 5 microns thick. In other examples, the coating may have alarger thickness (e.g., about 80 microns).

In the illustrated example shown, the body 704 has a diameter d₂. Insome examples, d₂ is about (e.g., +/−0.5 millimeters) 2 millimeters. Inthe illustrated example, the electrode 700 has an overall length of l₁and the body 704 has a length of l₂. In some examples, l₁ is about(e.g., +/−0.5 millimeters) 11.2 millimeters and l₂ is about (e.g.,+/−1.0 millimeters) 7.4 millimeters, such that the pin 702 is about(e.g., +/−1.0 millimeters) 3.8 millimeters. However, in other examples,the dimensions d₁, d₂, l₁, l₂ may have other suitable values.

In the example shown in FIG. 7B, the electrode 700 comprises a pogo pinthat includes a coil spring 708. The spring 708 of the illustratedexample provides a biasing force to extend the pin 702 outward from thebody 704 and against the scalp of the user. Different size springs maybe utilized with the electrode 700 to provide more or less force. Insome examples, the springs or biasing members provide around 2 Newtonsof force.

In the example shown in FIG. 7C, the electrode 700 comprises a leafspring 710. The leaf spring 710 provides a biasing force to extend thepin 702 outward from the body 704 and against the scalp of the user.Different strength leaf springs may be utilized with the electrode 700to provide more or less force.

FIG. 8A shows an example processing unit 800 (e.g., a computer module,an electronics module) that may be used with any of the example headsets100, 300 described above. The example processing unit may be, forexample, the processing unit 170 of the headset 100 or the processingunit 315 of the headset 300. The processing unit 800 is described hereinin combination with the headset 100. However, it is to be understoodthat the processing unit 800 may similarly be unitized with the headset300 and/or any other headset.

The processing unit 800 may be removably coupled to a headset such as,for example, the headset 100 described above (e.g., see FIGS. 1A-1E).The processing unit 800 of the illustrated example includes electroniccomponents for receiving, storing and/or processing the EEG signalsgathered by electrodes (e.g., from the electrode units 117 of the strips106-114). The processing unit 800, which includes many electroniccomponents, may be removed from the electrode assembly 102 so that theelectrode assembly 102 and adjustment assembly 104 can be cleaned (e.g.,sterilized, washed, disinfected) without harming the electroniccomponents of the processing unit 800. For example, the electrodeassembly 102 may be used multiple times and by multiple users andcleaning the electrode assembly 102 and adjustment assembly 104 reduces(e.g., minimizes) the risk of transferring bacteria, viruses,infections, etc. Additionally, if the electrode assembly breaks orbecomes otherwise inoperable (e.g., when a number of electrodesmalfunction), the processing unit 800 may be disconnected and attachedto a new electrode assembly and, thus, reduces (e.g., minimizes) thecost of replacing the headset. The same processing unit can be easilydisconnected from one electrode assembly (e.g., in a first size) andattached to another electrode assembly (e.g., in a second size).Further, the processing unit may be easily disconnected from theelectrode assembly 102 and plugged into a computer to download and/oranalyze the data stored in the processing unit 800.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the processing unit 800 of the illustrated exampleis defined by a housing 802 (e.g., a shell, a casing, a cover, aprotective surface, etc.), which includes a top cover 804 and a bottomplate 806 that are operatively coupled together (e.g., via screws,adhesives, a snap fit and/or any other suitable mechanical or chemicalfastener) to form the housing 802. In the illustrated example, theprocessing unit 800 is rectangular shaped and has a bend or arc formedin the middle. The arc shaped housing 802 allows the processing unit 800to remain close to the top of the head of a subject when connected tothe electrode assembly 102. However, in other examples, the housing 802of the processing unit may be other shapes.

The bottom plate 806 of the processing unit 800 of the illustratedexample has an opening 808 that exposes a connection hub 810. Theconnection hub 810 includes electrical connectors that arecommunicatively coupled to the electronic circuitry contained within thehousing 802. Specifically, the connection hub 810 has a first electricalconnector 812, a second electrical connector 814 and third electricalconnector 816 coupled to a circuit board 818 disposed within the housing802. In the illustrated example, the first and second electricalconnectors 812, 814 are forty-pin connectors (e.g., board-to-boardconnectors, mezzanine connectors, edge type connectors, ribbonconnectors, high density precise connectors, etc.). However, in otherexamples, the first and second electrical connectors 812, 814 may be anyother type(s) and/or number of connectors suitable to transmitelectrical signals. The first and second connectors 812, 814 are used toconnect to the electrode assembly 102 and receive signals from theelectrodes (e.g., from the electrode units 117). In the illustratedexample, the first and second connectors 812, 814 each have forty (40)pins, which correspond to forty signals or channels (e.g., one for eachelectrode). Thus, a total of eighty (80) signals can be transmitted atone time. However, in other examples, other types of connectors having adifferent amount of pins may be used.

The third connector 816 of the illustrated example is a universal serialbus (USB) type connector and is used for charging the battery andupdating firmware and/or software. The third connector 816 of theillustrate example may be connected to an outside computer or processingstation and new software may be uploaded to the processing unit 800.

In the example of FIGS. 8A-8B, the connection hub 810 is locatedsubstantially in the middle of the housing 802 and centered at the bend.However, in other examples, the connection hub 810 and the first, secondand third electrical connectors 812-816 may be located elsewhere on thehousing 802. An enlarged view of the connection hub 810 is shown in FIG.8B, where the bottom plate 806 is shown in dashed lines to expose theinterior of the processing unit 800.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the bottom plate 806 of the housing 802 of theexample includes a door 820 near one end of the housing 802. The door820 opens to expose the interior of the processing unit 800. Forillustrative purposes, the door 820 is shown in an open position. Theprocessing unit 800 includes a semiconductor based processor 822 (e.g.,a microprocessor) and a battery 824 (e.g., a battery pack, a lithiumbattery, etc.). A portion of the processor 822 and a portion of thebattery 824 are shown in FIG. 8B. The processor 822 of the illustratedexample is disposed in one side of the housing 802 and the battery 824is disposed in the other side of the housing 802. The battery 824 isaccessed through the door 820. In other words, the door 820 opens toallow the battery 824 to be removed or connected. The battery 824 may beremoved, charged and replaced, or the battery 824 may be charged byplugging the third electrical connector 816 into a power source.

FIG. 9A shows an example connection port 900 operatively coupled to thecentral strip 116 of the electrode assembly 102 to provide a junctionwhere the processing unit 800 may be removably coupled to the electrodeassembly 102. FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of the connection port 900. Asdescribed above, the electrode assembly 102 of the illustrated exampleincludes the first strip 106, the second strip 108, the third strip 110,the fourth strip 112 and the fifth strip 114 operatively coupled to thecentral strip 116. Each of the strips 106-114 includes a plurality ofelectrode units 117 to gather EEG signals along the scalp of a user.

The connection port 900 includes a cup 902 (e.g., having an annularrim), a fourth connector 904 and a fifth connector 906. The cup 902corresponds substantially to the shape of the opening 808 formed in thebottom plate 806 of the processing unit 800, such that the connectionhub 810 can slidably receive the cup 902 of the connection port 900.When the processing unit 800 is be coupled to the electrode assembly102, the cup 902 is inserted in the opening 808 of the processing unit,the first connector 812 of the processing unit 800 mates with the fourthconnector 904 and the second connector 814 of the processing unit 800mates with the fifth connector 906.

As shown in the example of FIG. 9B, the connection port 900 includes afirst retainer ring 908 and a second retainer ring 910 (e.g., o-rings)that are disposed around an outside surface of the cup 902. When theconnection port 900 is inserted into the opening 808 of the connectionhub 810 on the processing unit 800, the first and second retainer rings908, 910 create friction between the outer surface of the cup 902 andthe opening 808 of the processing unit 800 to help secure the processingunit 800 on the central strip 116.

As mentioned above, the electrode assembly 102 and adjustment assembly104 of the illustrated example may be detached from the processing unit(e.g., the processing unit 170, the processing unit 800) and washed orcleaned to sterilize and/or sanitize the electrode assembly 102 andadjustment assembly 104. In some examples, a cap may be used to coverthe connection portion 900 to prevent water and/or other wash solutionsfrom seeping into the electrical connectors in the connection portion900.

FIGS. 9C shows the fourth connector 904 and the fifth connector 906coupled to the FPCB 232, which is disposed within the electrode assembly102 of the illustrated example. The outer surfaces of the electrodeassembly 102 of this example have been removed to show the FPCB 232. Theconnection port 900 is shown in dashed lines to expose the fourthconnector 904 and the fifth connector 906. As shown, the FPCB 232traverses through the electrode assembly 102 and couples the electrodeunits 117 to the connection port 900. The FPCB 232 of the illustratedexample transfers the EEG signals from the electrode units 117 to thepins of the fourth and fifth connectors 904, 906 of connection port 900,thus allowing the fourth and fifth connectors 904, 906 to transfer thesignals to the processing unit 800. In other examples, the FPCB 232 maybe any communication link including wires or a ribbon connector totransfer the signals from the electrode units 117 through the electrodeassembly 102 to the connection port 900.

FIG. 10A is an exploded view of an example cup 1000 that may be used inplace of the cup 902 of FIGS. 9A-9C. FIG. 10B is an assembled view ofthe example cup 1000. The example cup 1000 provides extra strengthrelative to the cup of 902 of FIGS. 9A-9C and assists in securing theportion of the central strip 116 and PCB 232 around the connection hub900 to prevent the FPCB 232 from bending too much and potentiallydetaching from the fourth and fifth connectors 904, 906. The example cup1000 of FIGS. 10A and 10B includes a top portion 1002, a bottom portion1004, and a clip 1006. The top and bottom portions 1002, 1004 areoperatively coupled together on the top and bottom of the centralsupport strip 116. The clip 1006 attaches to the bottom of the bottomportion 1004 and further prevents the top and bottom portions 1002, 1004from bending.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the top portion 1002 of this example hasan opening 1008 to receive the fourth and fifth connectors 904, 906. Thetop portion 1002 also includes a first annular groove 1010 and a secondannular groove 1012, which may be used, for example, to receive retainerrings (e.g., retainer rings 908, 910).

FIG. 11A illustrates the example processing unit 800 coupled to theelectrode assembly 102 of the example headset 100 of FIGS. 1A-1E. Inthis illustrated example, the shell of the electrode assembly 102 isshown in dashed lines to expose the FPCB 232, and the housing 802 of theprocessing unit 800 is also shown in dashed lines to expose the internalcomponents (e.g., the circuit board 818, the processor 822, the battery824) of the processing unit 800. When coupled to the electrode assembly102, the two ends of the processing unit 800 are curved or angleddownwards. This allows the processing unit 800 to remain close to thehead of a user and reduce the risk of the processing unit 800 gettingsnagged or caught on foreign objects and to provide greater stabilityfor the headset 100. The PCB 232 of the illustrated example transfersthe signals gathered by the electrode units 117 from the first, second,third, fourth and fifth strips 106-114 to the processing unit 800 to beprocessed. In the example of FIG. 11A, one side of the processing unit170 includes the processor 822 and the other side the processing unit800 includes the battery 824. The processor 822 and the battery 824 areoperatively coupled to the circuit board 818 inside the housing 802.

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the headset 100 taken along lineA-A of FIG. 11A through the PCB 232. The shell of the electrode assembly102 and the housing 802 of the processing unit 800 are shown in dashedlines to expose the PCB 232 and the inner components (e.g., the circuitboard 818, the processor 822, the battery 824) of the processing unit800. The first connector 812 is connected to the fourth connector 904and the second connector 814 is connected to the fifth connector 906.

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of the example headset 100 takenalong line B-B of FIG. 11A through the processing unit 800. As shown,the first connector 812 of the processing unit 800 couples to the fourthconnector 904 of the connection port 900 and the second connector 814 ofthe processing unit 800 couples to the fifth connector 906 of theconnection port 900. In this example, the first, second, fourth andfifth connectors 812, 814, 904, 906 are forty-pin interlockingconnectors. The pins of the first, second, fourth and fifth connectors812, 814, 904, 906 are communicatively coupled to transfer electricalsignals therebetween.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an example processing system 1200 for usewith the example headset 100 and/or the example headset 300. The examplesystem 1200 includes a plurality of electrodes 1202 such as, forexample, the electrodes (e.g., the electrodes 212, 214, 216, 516, 518,614, 616) in the electrode units 117 of the example headset 100 or theelectrodes in the electrode units 320, 321 of the example headset 300.The electrodes 1202 are coupled, for example, to a headset to be worn ona head of a subject, such as, for example, in the example headset 100 orthe example headset 300 disclosed above.

The electrodes 1202 are also communicatively coupled to a processingunit 1204 (e.g., the processing unit 170 of the headset 100 shown inFIGS. 1A-1E, the processing unit 315 of the headset 300 shown in FIGS.3A-3C and/or the processing unit 800 shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 11A-C)via a communication link 1206, which may be for example a wired orwireless communication link including, for example, the FPCB 232disclosed above. The communication link 1206 may be, for example,incorporated in the strips 106-114 and/or the central support member 116of the headset 100 or in the strips 304-312 and/or the central supportmember 314 of the headset 300.

The electrodes 1202 are coupled to adjustor(s) 1201. The adjustors 1201adjust the position of the electrodes 1202 relative to the head of thesubject and/or relative to other ones of the electrodes 1202. Exampleadjustors 1201 include the example adjustors 142-152 disclosed above inconnection with the headset 100, which are operatively coupled to theexample electrodes (e.g., in the example units 117) via the examplestrips 106-114 and the example tension straps 118-136. An exampleadjustor 1201 also includes the example adjustor 358 disclosed above inconnection with the headset 300, which is operatively coupled to theexample electrodes (e.g., in the example units 320, 321) via the examplestrips 304-312 and the example tension straps 322-356. In addition, asdisclosed above, in some examples, the adjustors 1201 are rotatablewheels, and in some examples, the adjustors 1201 are automaticallyoperate using, for example, one or more motor(s) 1203.

The example processing unit 1204 includes an analog-to-digital converter1208, a signal conditioner 1210, a database 1212, an analyzer 1214 and atransmitter 1216. In the example headset 100 disclosed above, theanalog-to-digital converter 1208, the signal conditioner 1210, thedatabase 1212, the analyzer 1214 and/or the transmitter 1216 may beincorporated into the processing unit 170. In the example headset 300disclosed above, the analog-to-digital converter 1208, the signalconditioner 1210, the database 1212, the analyzer 1214 and/or thetransmitter 1216 may be incorporated into the processing unit 315.Additionally and or alternatively, the analog-to-digital converter 1208,the signal conditioner 1210, the database 1212, the analyzer 1214 and/orthe transmitter 1216 may be incorporated into the processor 822 of theprocessing unit 800, which may be used with the example headsets 100and/or 300. In other examples, analog-to-digital conversion, signalconditioning, analysis and transmission may occur closer to the sourcesuch as, for example in the housings 202, 502, contact member 206 and/orbase 520.

The analog-to-digital converter 1208 converts the analog signalsreceived at the electrodes 1202 to digital signals. In some examples,the analog-to-digital converter 1208 is located in the processing unit1204 in the housing of the headset. In other examples, theanalog-to-digital converter 1208 comprises multiple A-D converterslocated to service individual or sets of the electrodes to convert thesignals as close to the source as possible, which may further reduceinterference. In some examples, the A-D converters are disposed withinhousings of electrode units that each have one or more electrodes (e.g.,the electrode unit 117).

The signal conditioner 1210 of the illustrated example prepares thegathered signals so that the data is in a more usable form. For example,the signal conditioner 1210 may include an amplifier to amplify thesignal to a more detectable level. In addition, the signal conditioner1210 may include a filter to remove noise from the signal. The filtermay also be used as a bandpass filter to pass one or more frequencybands and/or manipulate select bands depending on the desired processingand/or analysis. In some examples, each of the electrodes 1202 mayinclude a signal conditioner at or near the electrode 1202. The examplesignal conditioner 1210 may include hardware and/or software to executea signal conditioning method. In some examples, the signal conditionerincludes a detrending unit to compensate for electrode polarization, inwhich there is slow movement of the voltage signal unrelated to brainwave activity due to polarization of the electrodes. The exampleprocessing unit 1204 also provides signal processing that may includehardware and/or software to execute Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)calculations, coherence measurements and/or custom adaptive filtering.

The analyzer 1214 is to analyze the data gathered from the electrodes1202 and processed by the analog-to-digital converter 1208 and thesignal conditioner 1210 in accordance with one or more analysisprotocols depending on the desired study. For example, in accordancewith some studies, the analyzer 1214 may process the data to determineone or more of a subject's mental state, physiological state, attention,resonance or memory, emotional engagement and/or other suitablecharacteristics of the subject.

The transmitter 1216 communicates the data at any stage of processingand/or the results of the analysis from the analyzer 1214 to an output1218. The output 1218 could be a handheld device, an alarm, a displayscreen on the headset, a remote server, a remote computer and/or anyother suitable output. Data transmission may be implemented by Bluetoothtransmission, wi-fi transmission, ZiGBee transmission and/or encryptionbefore transmission. In the illustrated example, the database 1212stores all data gathered streams. The streams can be buffered forstreaming or stored on-board (i.e., at the headset) for periodic oraperiodic uploads during, for example, low-activity periods.

The processing unit 1204 components 1208-1216 are communicativelycoupled to other components of the example system 1200 via communicationlinks 1220. The communication links 1220 may be any type of wiredconnection (e.g., a databus, a USB connection, etc.) or a wirelesscommunication mechanism (e.g., radio frequency, infrared, etc.) usingany past, present or future communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, USB2.0, USB 3.0, etc.). Also, the components of the example system 1200 maybe integrated in one device or distributed over two or more devices.

While an example manner of implementing the system 1200 is illustratedin FIG. 12, one or more of the elements, processes and/or devicesillustrated in FIG. 12 may be combined, divided, re-arranged, omitted,eliminated and/or implemented in any other way. Further, the exampleprocessing unit 1204, the example signal conditioner 1210, the exampleA/D converter 1208, the example database 1212, the example transmitter1216, the example analyzer 1214, the example output 1218 and/or, moregenerally, the example system 1200 of FIG. 12 may be implemented byhardware, software, firmware and/or any combination of hardware,software and/or firmware. Thus, for example, any of the exampleprocessing unit 1204, the example signal conditioner 1210, the exampleA/D converter 1208, the example database 1212, the example transmitter1216, the example analyzer 1214, the example output 1218 and/or, moregenerally, the example system 1200 of FIG. 12 could be implemented byone or more analog or digital circuit(s), logic circuits, programmableprocessor(s), application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)),programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)) and/or field programmable logicdevice(s) (FPLD(s)). When reading any of the apparatus or system claimsof this patent to cover a purely software and/or firmwareimplementation, at least one of the example processing unit 1204, theexample signal conditioner 1210, the example A/D converter 1208, theexample database 1212, the example transmitter 1216, the exampleanalyzer 1214 or the example output 1218 is/are hereby expressly definedto include a tangible computer readable storage device or storage disksuch as a memory, a digital versatile disk (DVD), a compact disk (CD), aBlu-ray disk, etc. storing the software and/or firmware. Further still,the example system 1200 of FIG. 12 may include one or more elements,processes and/or devices in addition to, or instead of, thoseillustrated in FIG. 12, and/or may include more than one of any or allof the illustrated elements, processes and devices.

Flowchart representations of example instructions, at least some ofwhich are machine readable, for implementing the headset 100, theheadset 300 and/or system 1200 of FIGS. 1A-12 are shown in FIGS. 13 and14. In this example, the machine readable instructions comprise aprogram for execution by a processor such as the processor 1512 shown inthe example processing platform 1500 discussed below in connection withFIG. 15. The program may be embodied in software stored on a tangiblecomputer readable medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a hard drive,a digital versatile disk (DVD), or a memory associated with theprocessor 1512, but the entire program and/or parts thereof couldalternatively be executed by a device other than the processor 1512and/or embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware. Further, although theexample program is described with reference to the flowchartsillustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, many other methods of implementing theexample headset 100, the example headset 300 and/or example system 1200may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of theblocks may be changed, and/or some of the blocks described may bechanged, eliminated, or combined.

As mentioned above, the example process of FIG. 14 and at least aportion of the example process of FIG. 13 may be implemented using codedinstructions (e.g., computer and/or machine readable instructions)stored on a tangible computer readable storage medium such as a harddisk drive, a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), a compact disk(CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a cache, a random-access memory(RAM) and/or any other storage device or storage disk in whichinformation is stored for any duration (e.g., for extended time periods,permanently, for brief instances, for temporarily buffering, and/or forcaching of the information). As used herein, the term tangible computerreadable storage medium is expressly defined to include any type ofcomputer readable storage device and/or storage disk and to excludepropagating signals and to exclude transmission media. As used herein,“tangible computer readable storage medium” and “tangible machinereadable storage medium” are used interchangeably. Additionally oralternatively, the example process of FIG. 14 and at least a portion ofthe example process of FIG. 13 may be implemented using codedinstructions (e.g., computer and/or machine readable instructions)stored on a non-transitory computer and/or machine readable medium suchas a hard disk drive, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a compactdisk, a digital versatile disk, a cache, a random-access memory and/orany other storage device or storage disk in which information is storedfor any duration (e.g., for extended time periods, permanently, forbrief instances, for temporarily buffering, and/or for caching of theinformation). As used herein, the term non-transitory computer readablemedium is expressly defined to include any type of computer readablestorage device and/or storage disk and to exclude propagating signalsand to exclude transmission media. As used herein, when the phrase “atleast” is used as the transition term in a preamble of a claim, it isopen-ended in the same manner as the term “comprising” is open ended.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of gathering EEGdata (block 1300) that may be implemented, for example, with the exampleheadset 100 and/or the example headset 300 disclosed herein. The exampleprocess includes placing an adjustment assembly on a head of a person(block 1302) such as, for example, the adjustment assembly 104 shown inFIGS. 1A-1E, which includes the first support 138, the second support140, the rear support 154, the front support 156 and/or the first andsecond adjustment lines 158, 160. The example adjustment assembly 104 ofFIGS. 1A-1E includes rubber, nylon and/or silicone components that maybe stretched over the head of the person. In some examples, theadjustment assembly 104 includes the first and/or second adjustmentlines 158, 160 that couple the first and second supports 138, 140, therear support 154 and the front support 156 together. The first andsecond adjustment lines 158, 160 may include nylon and may stretch asthe user puts the adjustment assembly on his/her head. In some examples,the first support 138 is to be disposed on the right side of the head,the second support 140 is to be disposed on the left side of the head,the rear support 154 is to be disposed on the back side of the head(e.g., below the occipital bone) and the front support 156 is to bedisposed on the front of the head (e.g., on the forehead).

The adjustment assembly (block 1302) may also include, for example, theheadband 316 of the headset 300 shown in FIGS. 3A-3C. The headset 300 ofFIGS. 3A-3C includes an electrode assembly 302 having electrodes strips304-312. The first electrode strip 304 is operatively coupled to theheadband 316 (e.g., via the first and second tension straps 322, 324).In use, the headband 316 is stretched onto the head of a person suchthat the electrode assembly 302 is disposed on the top of the head ofthe person.

The example process 1300 includes attaching one or more strip(s) to oneor more adjustor(s) (block 1304). In some examples, the strips include aplurality of electrodes and at least one tension strap that isattachable to the adjustor(s). In some examples, one or more of thestrips includes two tension straps that are disposed along the electrodeside of the respective strip. In other examples, multiple tensionsstraps are coupled to each of the strips (e.g., the example arrangementshown in FIGS. 3A-3C). In some examples, the ends of the strips areattached to a separate adjustor (e.g., via the tension straps). In otherexamples, two or more strips are coupled to the same adjustor.

For example, the example headset 100 of FIGS. 1A-1E includes theplurality of attachable/detachable strips 106-114 of the electrodeassembly 102. The example strips 106-114 are attached to the respectiveadjustors 142-152 and are disposed over the head of a person.Additionally or alternatively, the example headset 300 disclosed abovealso includes a plurality of attachable/detachable strips 304-312 thatare attached to an adjustor 358.

The example process 1300 includes attaching the adjustor(s) to theadjustment assembly (block 1306). In some examples, each of theadjustors is removably attached to the adjustment assembly. Theadjustors are attached to the adjustment assembly such that the stripsare disposed over the head of the user from the left side of the head tothe right side of the head. The adjustors are operable to move thestrips and pull the strips and their respective electrodes closer to thescalp of the user. In the example headset 100 of FIGS. 1A-1E, the first,second and third attachment devices 142, 144, 146 are attached to thefirst support 138 on a first side of the head, and the fourth, fifth andsixth attachment devices 148, 150, 152 are attached to the secondsupport 140 on a second side of the head. In the example headset 300 ofFIGS. 3A-3C, the adjustor 358 is coupled to the base 318 in the rear ofthe headset 300.

The example process 1300 includes adjusting the adjustors and rearadjustors (block 1308). The adjustors operate to move the respectivestrips relative to the head. As disclosed above, in some examples, thestrips include one or more tension straps that are slidably connected tothe strips. The tension straps are coupled to the adjustors, and theadjustors operate to change the tension in the tension straps to movethe strips on the head of the user. By increasing tensions in thetension straps, the strips and the respective electrode units are pulledcloser to the scalp of the user.

In some examples, the adjustors comprise wheels that are rotatablyattached to the adjustment assembly. The tension straps are attached tothe wheels such that as a wheel is turned, the effective length of theassociated tension strap(s) is changed (e.g., more tension or lesstension). In some examples, the adjustors are automatic and may includea motor or be coupled to a motor to adjust the tension in the tensionstraps.

In some examples, the adjustment assembly also includes one or more rearadjustors to adjust the location of the side supports on the right andleft sides of the head.

In some examples, a rear support includes a first adjustment line thatis connected to the two side supports and a front support. A first rearadjustor operates to move the side supports toward the back of the headand, thus, decrease the distance between the rear support and the twoside supports. In some examples, the rear support also includes a secondadjustment line that is also coupled to the two side supports and thefront support. In this example, the second adjustment line is positionedbelow the ears to bias the two side supports downward on the head of theuser. In some examples, the rear support includes a second rear adjustorto operate/change the tension in the second adjustment line to move thetwo side supports and, thus, the adjustors and the respective strips.

In the example headset 100 of FIGS. 1A-1E, the tension straps 118-136are attached to the respective adjustors 142-152 on the first and secondsupports 138, 140. A user may adjust one or more of the adjustors142-152 (block 1308) to change the tension in one or more of the tensionelements 118-136 to move one or more of the respective strips 106-114and tighten one or more of the strips 106-114 against the scalp of theuser. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1A-1E, the adjustment assembly104 also includes the first and second adjustment lines 158, 160 thatare slidably received by the rear support 154 and coupled to the firstand second supports 138, 140 and the front support 156. In someexamples, the first rear adjustor 162 is adjusted (block 1308) to changethe tension in the first adjustment line 158 and, thus, move the firstand second supports 138, 140. In some examples, the rear support 154also includes the second rear adjustor 164 that is adjusted (block 1308)to change the tension in the second adjustment line 160. The examplerear support 154 includes guides 166, 168 (e.g., a third support and afourth support) to direct the second adjustment line 160 below the earsof the user and below the first and second supports 138, 140, such thatchanging the tension of the second adjustment line 160 moves the firstand second supports 138, 140 downward on the head.

Additionally or alternatively, in the example headset 300 of FIGS.3A-3C, each of the tension straps 322-356 is operatively connected tothe first strip 304 and/or the headband 316 on one end and to theadjustor 358 on the opposite end. The tensions straps 322-356 areslidably coupled to the respective electrodes units 320, 321, which areoperatively coupled to the respective electrode strips 304-312. Theadjustor 358 is attached to the base and a user may adjust the adjustor358 (block 1308) to change the tension in the tension straps 322-356 tomove the strips 304-312 toward the scalp of the user.

In addition, the example process 1300 includes gathering signals fromthe electrodes of the headset (block 1310). The signals may bemonitored, analyzed, manipulated, etc. In the example headsets 100, 300of FIGS. 1A-1E and 3A-3C, the signals from the electrode units 117, 320,321 are transferred to the processing unit 170, 315 where at least someof the conditioning and/or processing may occur. Additionally, exampleprocessing unit 800 may be used with the example headsets 100, 300 togather/receive signals from the respective electrodes.

The example process 1300 also includes determining if the headsetrequires further adjusting (block 1312). In some examples, the adjustorsand/or the rear adjustors operate to move the electrode assembly on thehead of the user and increase the pressure of the electrodes on the headof the user. If further adjusting is desired (e.g., if the signals areweak and/or the subject is experiencing discomfort), the adjustorsand/or the rear adjustors can be further adjusted (block 1308). With theheadset adjusted, the example process 1300 gathers signals from theelectrodes (block 1310). If further adjustment is not needed (block1312) and the monitoring is complete, the example process 1300 ends(block 1314).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart representative of example instructions which maybe executed to analyze EEG data (block 1400) collected from the exampleheadset 100 of FIGS. 1A-1E and/or the example headset 300 of FIGS.3A-3C. For example, the example headset 100 has a plurality ofelectrodes that contact the scalp of a subject to receive electricalsignals from the subject's brain. The example process of analyzing EEGdata (block 1400) includes reading the EEG signals from the electrodes(block 1402). In the illustrated example, the signals are converted froman analog signal to a digital signal (block 1404). In some examples, theanalog-to-digital conversion takes place in a processing unit, such as,for example, the processing unit 1204 of the example system 1200. Inother examples, the analog-to-digital conversion takes place adjacentthe electrodes within the headset to convert the signal as close to thesource as possible, examples of which are disclosed above.

In the illustrated example, the signals are conditioned (block 1406) toimprove the usefulness of the signals and the accessibility of the datacontained therein. For example, as disclosed above, the conditioning mayinclude amplifying the signals and/or filtering the signals (e.g., witha bandpass filter).

The signals are analyzed (block 1408) to, for example, determine amental state of the subject, a health condition, an engagement withmedia as an audience member or effectiveness of the media, or an inputdesire for an electrical device. For example, the EEG data may beanalyzed to evaluate brain activity in particular frequency bands of theEEG data and/or in particular regions of the brain. Assessments and/orcalculations of the relationship(s) and correlation(s) of the frequencybands and regions of activity of the EEG data may be used to determinean emotional or mental state of a person including, for example,attention, emotional engagement, memory or resonance, etc. A descriptionof other processing operations and techniques is disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/829,849 titled “METHODS AND APPARATUS TOGATHER AND ANALYZE ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC DATA,” filed Mar. 14, 2013,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In the illustrated example, the signals (e.g., the results of theanalysis) are transmitted to an output (block 1410), such as, forexample, the output 1218 of the example system 1200. Example modes ofoutput are include, for example, sounding an alarm, displaying a messageand/or other alert on a screen, issuing a report to a local and/orremote computer and/or any other suitable output. In addition, theoutput may include the wired or wireless communications detailed herein.In some examples, the output includes data reflected of a person payingattention, the person not paying attention, the person in a state ofsemi-involvement with a media program, or other mental state of theperson, and the identity of the program are transmitted to, for examplea remote data facility. Raw data, processed data, a history log or anindicator of audience measurement also may be transmitted to the remotedata for collection. The remote data facility may be, for example, amarketing company, a broadcast company, an entertainment studio, atelevision network and/or any other organization that might benefit fromor otherwise desire to know when people are and/or are not focused onbroadcast programs and what those programs are. This example allowsbroadcasting companies and/or marketing personnel to analyze whichprograms people are watching, when they are watching the programs and/orwhen they are focused during the broadcast. After the output (block1410), the example process 1400 ends (block 1412).

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an example processing platform 1500capable of executing the one or more of the instructions of FIGS. 13 and14 to implement one or more portions of the apparatus and/or systems ofFIGS. 1A-1E, 2A-2C, 3A-3C, 4, 5A-5D, 6, 7A-7C, 8A-8B, 9A-9C, 10A-10B,11A-11C, and 12. The processing platform 1500 can be, for example, aprocessor in a headset, a server, a personal computer, a mobile device(e.g., a cell phone, a smart phone, a tablet such as an iPad™), apersonal digital assistant (PDA), an Internet appliance and/or any othertype of computing device.

The processor platform 1500 of the illustrated example includes aprocessor 1512. The processor 1512 of the illustrated example ishardware. For example, the processor 1512 can be implemented by one ormore integrated circuits, logic circuits, microprocessors or controllersfrom any desired family or manufacturer.

The processor 1512 of the illustrated example includes a local memory1513 (e.g., a cache). The processor 1512 of the illustrated example isin communication with a main memory including a volatile memory 1514 anda non-volatile memory 1516 via a bus 1518. The volatile memory 1514 maybe implemented by Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM),Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS Dynamic Random Access Memory(RDRAM) and/or any other type of random access memory device. Thenon-volatile memory 1516 may be implemented by flash memory and/or anyother desired type of memory device. Access to the main memory 1514,1516 is controlled by a memory controller.

The processor platform 1500 of the illustrated example also includes aninterface circuit 1520. The interface circuit 1520 may be implemented byany type of interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface, auniversal serial bus (USB), and/or a PCI express interface.

In the illustrated example, one or more input devices 1522 are connectedto the interface circuit 1520. The input device(s) 1522 permit(s) aperson to enter data and commands into the processor 1512. The inputdevice(s) can be implemented by, for example, an audio sensor, amicrophone, a camera (still or video), a keyboard, a button, a mouse, atouchscreen, a track-pad, a trackball, isopoint and/or a voicerecognition system.

One or more output devices 1524 are also connected to the interfacecircuit 1520 of the illustrated example. The output devices 1524 can beimplemented, for example, by display devices (e.g., a light emittingdiode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a liquid crystaldisplay, a cathode ray tube display (CRT), a touchscreen, a tactileoutput device and or a light emitting diode (LED). The interface circuit1520 of the illustrated example, thus, typically includes a graphicsdriver card, a graphics driver chip or a graphics driver processor.

The interface circuit 1520 of the illustrated example also includes acommunication device such as a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, amodem and/or network interface card to facilitate exchange of data withexternal machines (e.g., computing devices of any kind) via a network1526 (e.g., an Ethernet connection, a digital subscriber line (DSL), atelephone line, coaxial cable, a cellular telephone system, etc.).

The processor platform 1500 of the illustrated example also includes oneor more mass storage devices 1528 for storing software and/or data.Examples of such mass storage devices 1528 include floppy disk drives,hard drive disks, compact disk drives, Blu-ray disk drives, RAIDsystems, and digital versatile disk (DVD) drives.

The coded instructions 1532 of FIGS. 13 and 14 may be stored in the massstorage device 1528, in the volatile memory 1514, in the non-volatilememory 1516, and/or on a removable tangible computer readable storagemedium such as a CD or DVD.

Although certain example apparatus have been described herein, the scopeof coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, thispatent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairlyfalling within the scope of the appended claims either literally orunder the doctrine of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: adjusting a first adjustorto cause a first tension change in a first tension strap operativelycoupled between a first support and a second support, the first supportto be disposed on a first side of a head of a person and the secondsupport to be disposed on a second side of the head of the personopposite the first side of the head of the person, the first tensionchange to cause the first tension strap to slide relative to a firstelectrode strip including a first electrode pin to thereby cause thefirst electrode strip to move to adjust a first distance of the firstelectrode strip relative to the head, the first electrode strip to bedisposed over the head of the person such that a first end of the firstelectrode strip is disposed adjacent the first support and a second endof the first electrode strip is disposed adjacent the second support;and gathering a first set of signals from the head using the firstelectrode pin.
 2. The method of claim 1, further including adjusting asecond adjustor operatively coupled to the second support to cause asecond tension change in the first tension strap.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein adjusting the first adjustor causes a second tension changein a second tension strap operatively coupled between the first supportand the second support, the second tension change to cause the secondtension strap to slide relative to a second electrode strip including asecond electrode pin to thereby cause the second electrode strip to moveto adjust a second distance of the second electrode strip relative tothe head.
 4. The method of claim 1, further including changing aneffective length of the first tension strap by adjusting the firstadjustor.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the first adjustorincludes rotating a wheel.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein adjustingthe first adjustor includes actuating an electric motor.
 7. The methodof claim 1, further including detaching the first adjustor from thefirst support to remove the first electrode strip.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, further including adjusting a second adjustor to alter aposition of a third support to be disposed under a right ear of theperson and a fourth support to be disposed under a left ear of theperson relative to the first support, which is to be disposed above aright ear of the person, and the second support, which is to be disposedabove a left ear of the person.
 9. The method of claim 1, whereinadjusting the first adjustor causes the first electrode pin to retractor extend from a first housing operatively coupled to the firstelectrode strip.
 10. The method of claim 1, further including adjustinga second adjustor to cause a second tension change in a second tensionstrap operatively coupled between the first support and the secondsupport, the second tension change to cause the second tension strap toslide relative to a second electrode strip including a second electrodepin to thereby cause the second electrode strip to move to adjust asecond distance of the second electrode strip relative to the head. 11.The method of claim 10, wherein the first tension strap is operativelycoupled to the first support via the first adjustor and the secondtension strap is operatively coupled to the second support via thesecond adjustor.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the first electrodestrip and the second electrode strip extend over the head of the personfrom a left side of the head to a right side of the head.
 13. The methodof claim 1, wherein the first tension strap is disposed between thefirst electrode strip and the head of the person.
 14. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first electrode pin extends from a housing coupledto the first electrode strip, the housing disposed between the firstelectrode strip and the head of the person, the housing including afirst channel, the first tension strap extending through the firstchannel.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the housing includes asecond channel, and wherein adjusting the first adjustor adjuster causesa second tension change in a second tension strap operatively coupledbetween the first support and the second support, the second tensionstrap extending through the second channel.
 16. The method of claim 15,wherein the first tension strap and the second tension strap traversealong a longitudinal axis of the first electrode strip.
 17. The methodof claim 14, wherein the first electrode pin extends from a bottomsurface of the housing, the bottom surface being curved to substantiallyconform to a curve of the head of the person.
 18. The method of claim 1,wherein a first end of the first tension strap is coupled to the firstsupport via the first adjustor.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein thefirst side is a left side of the head of the person and the second sideis a right side of the head of the person.
 20. The method of claim 1,wherein the first end of the first electrode strip is spaced apart fromthe first support and the second end of the first electrode strip isspaced apart from the second support.